Grey District Candidates

Penny came to Greymouth in 2017 to help write the Marketing Plan for Tourism West Coast with the launch of the award winning untamed Natural Wilderness branding. Captivated by the Coast, she never left! Moving to Camerons with her husband, Steve, and fur babies.

She co-wrote the Tai Poutini Economic Development Strategy 2018-2025 bringing together all of the West Coast Councils and local iwi. She understands the unique challenges and opportunities for the Coast contracting over $200 million of investment from the Provincial Growth Fund.

Following the 2021 floods in Westport, Penny worked with Buller District Council attracting Government funding for critical infrastructure repairs and is currently managing the $22.9 million Resilient Westport programme which includes strategic planning and flood protection. Highly qualified, with a strong track record of leadership, strategic vision and community involvement, she has the experience and commitment to the Coast that make her a valuable asset.

My name is Michelle Coates, I am a proud, fourth-generation West Coaster with a strong connection to the land, people, and rural way of life. My family and I live on properties that have been in our family for generations, and that deep-rooted history inspires my commitment to the future of our region.

I’ve held leadership roles including National Sponsorship Manager and Regional Manager (West Coast-Top of the South) for the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. I currently serve on the Board of the South Island Dairy Event and have been a Regional Leader for Dairy Women’s Network.

I’ve completed the Mayfield Governance Development course and hold a Diploma in Agribusiness. These experiences have given me a solid foundation in governance, leadership, and strategic thinking.

I am passionate about supporting sustainable development across both urban and rural communities and would be honoured to represent the West Coast as a Trustee.

Growing up in Westport then returning and settling in Greymouth in 2001 the Coast has been a wonderful place both professionally and personally. I feel I would be a good candidate with over 15 years of experience in rural finance and 10 years being an independent contractor.

I understand the need for growth and diversification to achieve long term sustainable outcomes. Now having a family of my own I feel even more strongly than ever the need to help invest and develop the Coast for future generations.

To see us thrive not just survive.I come from a farming, mining and milling family which gives me a solid foundation for hard work. With my years of life experience, I feel I can contribute for the continued governance of DWC achieving continued growth for future and current generations. It would be a privilege to serve my community in this role.

Real Business Experience. Focused on the Grey District’s Future.

With over 20 yrs’ experience across trades, agriculture, manufacturing, transport, and professional services, I understand the challenges & opportunities facing West Coast businesses. My background spans operations, HR, finance, compliance, & marketing. As a former Capability & Growth Advisor at DWC, I worked closely with local businesses, gaining valuable insight into what holds them back, & what helps them grow. I have a practical, solutions-focused approach and believe in the value of locally led economic development.

My commitment to the Grey District & wider Coast is long-standing and genuine. I want to see our communities thrive — economically & socially — through smart, sustainable growth.

The Grey District deserves a strong voice at the table: one focused on enabling success, creating opportunity, & supporting resilient local businesses. I’m standing to be that voice & to help shape a stronger future for our region.

I’m Andy Thompson, standing for the Grey District Trustee position, Development West Coast, to ensure our region’s fund is invested wisely for sustainable growth that benefits all West Coasters. With governance experience as a former Westland District Councillor and service as a volunteer Civil Defence Controller in the Grey District, I bring strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our communities.

I was a dairy farmer for 25 years and have extensive rural and industry experience, including ownership of AgFest – the Coast’s premier agricultural event – and four years coordinating the Wildfoods Festival. My work in mining and collaboration with the Department of Conservation on the Paparoa Track has strengthened my understanding of how to balance development with environmental protection.

I am committed to building a resilient, prosperous West Coast – a thriving region we can all enjoy for generations to come.