Councillors

Keri Brown - Wainuiomata Ward

Keri Brown is the Deputy Mayor of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai – Lower Hutt, committed to delivering practical, effective leadership for the city.

Keri brings a clear understanding of local issues and a results-driven approach to Council decision-making. She focuses on improving essential services, strengthening community infrastructure and supporting economic growth.

Keri is known for her willingness to challenge processes to achieve better outcomes. She works closely with the mayor and councillors to provide stable governance, strengthen accountability, and ensure long-term planning is grounded in realistic, evidence-based priorities.

With experience across community development, governance, and central government, Keri is focused on making practical improvements that lift the quality of life across Te Awa Kairangi. Her goal is a safe, functional, and future-ready city that supports residents, businesses, and the next generation.

Email: keri.brown@huttcity.govt.nz

Glenda Barratt - Central Ward

Image and information to come

Email: glenda.barratt@huttcity.govt.nz

Brady Dyer - At Large

Brady is now serving his third term as a city-wide Councillor for Hutt City. He brings more than a decade of local government experience and two decades in business.

He is passionate about connecting with communities across the valley and making sure the decisions Council make reflect the voices of the people who live here.

His focus is on doing the basics better, boosting local business, and building stronger communities — a city that’s vibrant, inclusive, and ready for the future.

He lives in Taitā with his wife Emma and daughter Scarlett and loves walking their dog Enola on the amazing local tracks. He genuinely loves this city and is committed to shaping a Lower Hutt that future generations will thank us for.

Email: brady.dyer@huttcity.govt.nz

Simon Edwards - Central Ward

Simon is in his fourth term as a Hutt City councillor – after two trienniums as a citywide councillor he has come back to where he started his council journey, representing the Central Ward.

With the massive Riverlink project, the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF), central city stormwater and wastewater upgrades and planning for the Cross Valley Connection, there’s plenty happening in the heart of our city. He is committed to getting involved in all aspects of our city’s progress but has a particular interest in fit-for-the-future infrastructure.

Simon comes from a 35-year career in journalism, most of it as Hutt News editor, and alongside council duties now works as a senior communications advisor.

Lee-Anne and Simon have lived in Lower Hutt since 1989. Where they have raised their three kids and now enjoy taking out grandkids to explore the Hutt’s fantastic natural environment.

Simon’s favourite activities include reading, Saturday Parkrun, cycling, walking their spaniel Albus and sampling craft beer.

Email: simon.edwards@huttcity.govt.nz

Tui Lewis - Harbour Ward

Tui Lewis serves as a Harbour Ward Councillor, she brings a strong focus on community engagement, transparent decision-making, and practical solutions for local issues.

Her work spans our district plan, infrastructure, arts and culture, neighbourhood resilience and ensuring Council processes remain accessible and accountable to residents.

With15 years in governance, stakeholder collaboration, and community advocacy, Tui is committed to representing the diverse voices of the Harbour Ward and supporting sustainable, well-planned growth across the region.

Email: tui.lewis@huttcity.govt.nz

Andy Mitchell - Northern Ward

Andy is a third-term councillor who has lived in Lower Hutt for 18 years. He and his wife are raising their family in Naenae, where they’re both active in providing activities and opportunities for the local community.

Andy’s a keen conservationist who founded the Naenae Nature Trust to engage local people in protecting and enhancing the natural environment in their own neighbourhood. He also chairs the Lower Hutt branch of Forest & Bird. His environmental interests inform council work around waste minimisation, climate action, sustainability and nature.

Andy also volunteers with other community groups around Lower Hutt including Common Unity, Waiwhetū Fruit and Vege Co-op, and Hutt Minoh Friendship House Trust.

In the past, Andy has served as president of Naenae Playcentre and a Board of Trustees member at Rātā Street School. His professional background is in broadcasting and communications, most recently working in the education and community sectors.

Email: andy.mitchell@huttcity.govt.nz

Chris Parkin - Western Ward

Chris lives in Belmont, Lower Hutt and is the Western Ward Councillor for Hutt City, Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai.

Chris teaches photography at Southern Institute of Technology (via correspondence) and holds an Associateship with the Photographic Society of New Zealand. He is a member of Hutt Art Society and teaches pottery at Hutt Art and around the valley. Chris has been a committee member for Hutt Art and Hutt Camera Club as well as Co-President of Hutt Playcentre Association.

Chris is a long-time member of St James Anglican Church, Lower Hutt and occasionally worships at All Saints Belmont.

Email: chris.parkin@huttcity.govt.nz

Te Awa Puketapu - Mana Kairangi ki Tai Māori Ward

He uri nō Te Atiawa, Ngāti Ruapani, Ngāi Tūhoe. Ko Te Awa Puketapu tēnei.

​Te Awa is a newly elected Hutt City Councillor for the Māori Ward, bringing more than 15 years of governance and public-sector experience. She served as Chair of the Wainuiomata Community Board in the last triennium and has held a range of school, advisory, and executive board roles.

​Raised in Wainuiomata and the wider Te Awa Kairangi community, with periods living overseas, her upbringing has significantly shaped her identity. This background fuels her solidarity with both local and global interests in addressing inequities and supporting language revitalisation opportunities.

​ She has deep expertise supporting whānau through the education, youth justice, and care and protection systems, alongside strengths in governance, operational management, oversight, and regulation.

Her professional background includes teaching and leadership in primary and ECE settings; national oversight of the Tū Tangata programme; roles with the Regional Ministry of Education and the Education Review Office; Independent OPCAT monitoring for the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (including youth detention monitoring and nationwide thematic reviews); work contributing to accountability through the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care; and leadership of Protected Objects Act and Matariki/Hautapu initiatives at Manatū Taonga, reflecting commitment to te ao Māori, whānau potential, and careful stewardship.

Te Awa holds a Certificate in Business Management, a Degree in Education, and a Master’s in Social Change Leadership. Guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and her obligation to kaitiakitanga as an uri of Te Atiawa, her focus this triennium is establishing strong strategic and systemic foundations for a respected, active, and sustainable Māori Ward seat, while working across all priorities.

​Mokopuna Focused, Tupuna Guided

Email: teawa.puketapu@huttcity.govt.nz

Prabha Ravi - At Large

Councillor Prabha Ravi QSM, JP is a distinguished governance leader, community leader and international education specialist with more than 25 years of senior management experience, including roles as International Director at Waiariki Institute of Technology and Senior Manager at Education New Zealand and WelTec. She has represented New Zealand in 47 countries, securing major export education outcomes and forging impactful global partnerships.

With nearly two decades of governance experience across the arts, sports, education, health, and community sectors, including the Wellington/Wairarapa Lotteries Committee and Education New Zealand. She was the establishment chair of the Hutt Valley District Health Board and chaired it for 2.5 years.

As the founder and director of Natraj School of Dance for over 25 years and an award-winning actor, she has made significant contributions to New Zealand’s cultural landscape. Her service has been recognised with the Civic Honour Award for Arts & Culture and the Queen’s Service Medal.

Prabha is excited and privileged to serve the people of Hutt City.

Email: prabha.ravi@huttcity.govt.nz

Naomi Shaw - Northern Ward

Naomi is in her third term on Council. She previously served one term as a City-Wide Councillor before being elected to represent the Northern Ward. This triennium, she was re-elected unopposed to continue representing the Northern Ward which includes Stokes Valley, Taitā, Pōmare, Wingate, Avalon and Naenae.

Naomi has said, “It’s a privilege to serve the community I grew up in. Born and raised in Taitā and now living in Stokes Valley, this part of Te Awa Kairangi is home.”

She is pleased to see Naenae join the Northern Ward through recent boundary changes. After 18 years teaching at Naenae College, she knows this community well. Two councillors serving this large region means stronger advocacy for our northeastern suburbs.

Naomi has built lasting relationships here and remains committed to people-focused, practical leadership. With strong governance experience, extensive community involvement, and a 98% attendance record to meetings, she continues to serve the Hutt Valley to the best of her ability with dedication and pride.

Naomi loves the Hutt Valley and wouldn’t live anywhere else.

Email: naomi.shaw@huttcity.govt.nz

Tony Stallinger - At Large

Tony was first elected as a city-wide councillor in 2022. He chairs Council’s Policy & Performance Committee and is a director of Council’s property subsidiary, Urban Plus Limited.

He is also an associate of TDB Advisory Limited and a trustee for Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, Youth Inspire and Hutt Hospital Foundation Trust.

His earlier career was in finance and strategic management for major public and private sector organisations. This included a period as Hutt City Council’s chief executive and chief financial officer.

Tony’s key focus areas will be financial performance, infrastructure, city development and the major reforms facing local government.

Tony lives in Belmont with his family. He has been a resident in Lower Hutt for over 50 years, having graduated via Hutt Valley High School and Victoria University. He is a keen cyclist and spent many years supporting the sport of squash as a player and administrator.

Email: tony.stallinger@huttcity.govt.nz

Mele Tonga-Grant - At Large

Mele Tonga-Grant is a proud Hutt City Councillor with a deep commitment to community, culture, and connection. Born and raised in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai, Mele brings a strong Pacific voice to the council table as the first Pacific woman elected to Hutt City Council.

Her background spans community development, Pacific engagement, and advocacy, with a focus on ensuring local voices are heard in decision-making. Mele has worked alongside grassroots groups, youth, and families to strengthen wellbeing and cultural pride across the Hutt Valley.

Beyond council, she has been active in initiatives celebrating the arts, language, and leadership, including projects that champion community and whānau wellbeing. Mele is passionate about building a city where everyone feels seen, supported, and able to thrive guided by indigenous values which lean into service, inclusion, and collective strength.

Email: mele.tonga-grant@huttcity.govt.nz

Karen (Kaz) Yung - At Large

Kaz is a Chiwi (Chinese-Kiwi) proudly born and raised in Lower Hutt to Chinese parents and who is deeply passionate about this place and its people, for now and into the future.

Kaz is a first-term Councillor and has previously served three trienniums on Petone Community Board, and in that time also sat on two nationwide committees for the Young Elected Members (YEM) and the Community Boards Executive.

Kaz is passionate about environmental and social justice, and has a background in youth and community development, hospitality, retail, governance, and not-for-profit sectors. She has invested in the local community through her church, a school breakfast club, coordinating the Waiwhetū Fruit and Vege Co-op, and volunteering at the Pito One Koha Café.

She looks forward to connecting with and listening to Hutt residents; and loves seeing people, places and systems come together for a resilient, thriving Te Awakairangi ki Tai Hutt City.

Email: kaz.yung@huttcity.govt.nz