Mayoral candidate Levi Phoenix, whose name will appear on the ballot as Levi Burton, is stepping forward in the 2025 local elections with a campaign focused on contribution, connection, and community transformation.
Phoenix says his decision to run for the Hauraki District mayoralty stems from a deep sense of purpose developed through years of travel, learning, and service.
“After years of travelling.. I’ve come home with a deep sense of purpose. I’m standing for Mayor because I want to give back to the community that raised me; to share what I’ve learned and use those lessons to help create a better future for all of us in Hauraki,” he said.
“For me, life isn’t about money or status. I’ve explored that path and found that real fulfilment comes from contribution, connection, and purpose. Once we have enough to live (studies show that’s around $70,000 per year) the pursuit of more brings diminishing returns. What truly matters is what we do with our time, our energy, and our hearts.”
Phoenix says he believes the district needs leadership with heart and a vision for long-term wellbeing.
“I believe Hauraki deserves strong, compassionate leadership. Our district has been left in a difficult state, and I’m stepping up to help turn that around. I want to see our people happy, safe, supported, and thriving, with a Council that actually works for them.
Phoenix describes himself as someone guided by intuition and empathy, drawing inspiration from his school years in Waihi and a lifelong commitment to learning.
“My love for learning began right here in Waihi at Waihi College, where I was deeply inspired by my biology teacher, Hilton Galey, who told me: never stop learning. I’ve carried that philosophy ever since. I’m always reading, questioning, exploring (across all fields) and I’ve discovered that true knowledge often comes from outside the confines of formal education. As Einstein once said, ‘Don’t let your schooling interfere with your education.’ That quote has always resonated deeply with me.
“I’m someone who lives with deep purpose, driven by curiosity, compassion, and a constant desire to learn and grow. I identify closely with the INFJ-A personality (advocate) and that reflects how I live my life: guided by intuition, empathy, and a powerful inner sense of vision and responsibility.
“I’ve worked with a number of agencies and held sensitive roles that require discretion, what I can share is that my path has been shaped by meaningful service, deep personal growth, and a relentless drive to make a positive difference in the world. I don’t come with list of flashy titles. I’m standing here with a heart full of purpose and a mind committed to progress.
“I think differently. I solve problems creatively. I pursue truth, not convention, and I believe that’s exactly the kind of leadership Hauraki needs right now.”
Addressing confusion around his involvement in the 2023 Westland District elections, Phoenix says he was never a candidate for mayor but was instead advocating for transparency and pushing back against harmful influences.
“I didn’t stand for Mayor of Westland District Council in 2023. What I was actually doing at the time was taking a stand, not for office, but for what’s right. I was raising awareness and pushing back against the influence of the Gloriavale cult, which had concerning levels of sway over local government. My efforts were focused on challenging that power and advocating for transparency, freedom, and psychological safety for the people in that region.
“In many ways, I was playing devil’s advocate (especially around the Grey District Council) to expose the flaws in the system and highlight where real change was needed. It was never about winning a seat. It was about protecting democracy and shining a light on coercive and controlling behaviours, which I strongly oppose in all forms.
“That experience taught me a huge amount about how local government operates and, more importantly, what needs to change for it to better serve people. I now feel I’m in exactly the right place to take those lessons and lead Hauraki with courage, integrity, and a deep commitment to our community’s wellbeing.”
Phoenix says his past experiences have also helped him better understand the barriers within New Zealand’s electoral system.
“I learned just how complex and rule-bound our election process really is, and frankly, how those rules can unintentionally shut everyday people out. Right now, our electoral system favours a very narrow slice of society. If you don’t fit a certain mould, financially, socially, or even stylistically, the barriers to standing for office can be overwhelming. That’s not democracy. That’s exclusion.
“I want to see a future where anyone with a heart for their community, whether they’re wealthy or working class, young or old, Māori or Pākehā, can have a fair go at representing the people. That’s the kind of change I’ll be pushing for; to break down the walls that stop good people from stepping up.
Phoenix says his wide-ranging professional background, coupled with his values-driven approach, makes him a strong candidate for Mayor.
“ I bring honesty, integrity, and heart to the table. I’m not here to serve myself, I’m here to serve the people. I’m ethically and morally driven, and I make decisions based on what’s right, not just what the rulebook says.
“My background spans a wide range of industries from construction to finance, from policy writing to physical labour. I’ve worked with my hands, my mind, and my heart, and I’ve learned how to connect with people from all walks of life, whether it’s a lawyer, a farmer, a rangatahi, or someone on the autism spectrum. Communication is one of my greatest strengths, and I believe it’s exactly what’s missing from local government right now. We don’t just need people making decisions, we need people who listen first.
“I also bring something that’s hard to teach; vision. I think outside the box, and I don’t just talk about change, I know how to turn ideas into action. I have a high-functioning, curious mind, and I never stop learning. I’m constantly absorbing knowledge, growing, and finding new ways to make things better for our community.
“And at the end of the day, what I offer is a promise: that I will always lead with integrity, compassion, and courage. Hauraki deserves a Mayor who’s truly here for them. That’s what I bring.”
He also confirmed that due to electoral regulations, he will appear on official voting papers as Levi Burton.
“One thing I’d like voters to be aware of is that, on the official voting documents, my name will appear as Levi Burton. This is due to outdated electoral regulations that I believe urgently need reform. My legal name is Levi Phoenix, and I’ve made sure to note that in my candidate statement so voters can still recognise me clearly.
“This issue reflects a wider problem with the current system, where rigid and outdated rules make it harder for people to represent themselves authentically. That’s something I’m actively working to change right now, even during this campaign, by engaging directly with MPs and the General Manager of Election Services. I’m not waiting for a title to take action. I’m already doing the mahi, behind the scenes, to help create a fairer system that works for everyone.”
