Rachel Bowen
Rachel Bowen’s Elections & Candidacies
Note: This database contains data from the 2023, 2020, 2017 and 2014 general elections, the 2025 local government election and is gradually being backfilled with other election data.
Contested 1 race — 1 elected
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Final Elected
Offices held
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Te Hirawanui General WardPalmerston North City CouncilAffiliation: IndependentOct 2013 – present
In the News
Race briefing: Will Palmerston North grow up, or out?
The Spinoff — October 1, 2025In Aotearoa’s second biggest inland city, 43 people are running for 16 council positions, making for a competitive race. Water, road upgrades and consultants are on the agenda – and an STV election means every vote matters.
Candidates spell out election promises
Manawatu Standard — September 5, 2025"Manawatū Standard civics reporter Janine Rankin tried to find out how Palmerston North City Council candidates defined the difference and what they would cut to keep rates rises down. There were 25 responses from candidates in the Te Hirawanui general ward."
Candidates court a curious crowd
Manawatu Standard — August 28, 2025Info on support and opposition to Featherston St cycle lanes, rates, Te Motu o Poutoa development.
Council and chamber unite in favour of Māori ward
Manawatu Standard — August 7, 2024"Palmerston North’s Te Pūao Māori ward is here to stay for the 2025 city council elections. Mayor Grant Smith and 14 councillors voted unanimously in favour of retaining the ward on Wednesday. The vote was forced by a recent law change."
Palmerston North City Council votes to establish a Māori ward
Manawatu Guardian — April 14, 2021Voting record from original 2021 decision to introduce Māori ward: "Last week's vote to introduce Māori wards was split 11-5. In favour were mayor Grant Smith, Aleisha Rutherford, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Patrick Handcock, Lorna Johnson, Orphee Mickalad and Karen Naylor. Against were Susan Baty, Lew Findlay, Leonie Hapeta, Billy Meehan and Bruno Petrenas."
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This database currently contains data from the 2025 local government eleciton, and general elections in 2023, 2020, 2017 and 2014. It is being backfilled with older data. Please get in touch if you want to help.