Henriette Nagel for MDC Councillor

13/03/2026

💛 Teaching little hearts to give big love 💛

Today the girls are learning how important it is to give back and support amazing charities in our community. They are out collecting donations for the Child Cancer Foundation and would absolutely love if you could pop by, say hello, and support this very special cause.

They’ll be here until 1pm — every smile, coin, and bit of kindness makes a difference ✨

Come show them how beautiful our community spirit is 💛

11/03/2026

An update from me

Over the past few weeks, a few members of our community have asked whether I would consider standing in the upcoming by-election. I’m truly grateful for the encouragement and support — it means a lot to know people believe in my voice and what I stand for.

After careful consideration, I have decided NOT to stand in the by-election.

I have recently stepped into some really important and exciting work at the Ministry for the Environment, contributing to the Climate Change & Resource Efficiency (CCRE) work programme.

This includes work supporting a Ministerial report for Minister Watts, and right now this is where my focus and energy need to be.

Public service and making a difference for communities has always been at the heart of what I do, and I’m proud to contribute to this work at a national level.

That said, my passion for Masterton and local government hasn’t changed at all. I would absolutely love to stand again as a candidate in the next local election, and continue advocating for our families, our community, and our future.

Thank you again to everyone who encouraged me — your support means more than you know.

Henriette

09/03/2026

✈️ Wairarapa – Let’s Bring Direct Flights Back to Masterton!

Did you know that Masterton once had direct flights to Auckland from Hood Aerodrome, helping connect our region with the rest of New Zealand? The service supported business, tourism, and economic growth in Wairarapa.

Now there is a business case being developed to bring direct flights back, but the organisers need to show there is strong community demand.

This could be a game changer for our region:
• Faster travel for business and families
• More tourism into Wairarapa
• Stronger economic growth and opportunities
• Better connectivity to international flights via Auckland

If you live in Masterton or anywhere in Wairarapa, please take 30 seconds to complete this survey to show your support.

👉 Sign here:
https://forms.gle/iT4wmQzHJUCzarcS8

Every response helps demonstrate that our region needs and will support this connection.

Let’s show them that Wairarapa is ready to fly again! ✈️

Please share this post so we can get as many responses as possible.

Every trip to Wellington or Palmerston North to catch a flight costs you — petrol, parking, vehicle wear and tear, and hours of your day gone. For many Wairarapa businesses and families, that's hundreds of dollars every single time. It doesn't have to be this way. Hood Aerodrome has completed a $1...

23/12/2025

❤️ Don’t be alone this Christmas Day ❤️

If you or someone you know is feeling isolated, struggling, or simply doesn’t want to spend Christmas alone, please know there is a place for you.

🎄 Room at the Inn – Christmas Day Lunch
Hosted by Masterton Community Church, this is a free Christmas Day lunch for anyone in need of community, connection, and love.

📍 Masterton Community Church
📌 117 Ngaumutawa Road
🕛 Doors open at 12pm
🍽 Lunch served at 12.30pm
📅 Thursday 25 December 2025
✨ No need to register — there is always room at the Inn.

Christmas can be a really hard day for many in our community. If this could help someone you know, please share this post so it reaches those who may need it most.

Let’s look after one another and make sure no one feels forgotten this Christmas. 💛🎄

17/12/2025

This is deeply upsetting for our community.

It has now been CONFIRMED that after months of uncertainty, the Government has taken up to $90 million that was intended to fix Masterton Hospital and used it to help fill a hole in its Budget.

While this was happening, our patients, whānau, and dedicated health professionals have been left dealing with a hospital that is below standard and not fit for purpose.
This isn’t political point-scoring — it’s about healthcare, safety, and fairness for a regional community that relies on its hospital every single day.

Masterton was promised investment in its hospital. Our community deserved honesty and transparency. Instead, vital funding was redirected while people here continued to wait.

Decisions like this have real consequences on the ground. Our health services should never be treated as optional or expendable.

Masterton deserves better. Our hospital deserves better.

03/12/2025

21/10/2025

💬 Checking in on everyone in Masterton 💙

Kia ora Masterton whānau,

I just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing with this weather. Please reach out if you or someone you know needs a bit of help — I’ll do what I can to lend a hand or connect you with support.

If it’s an emergency or things are getting worse where you are, please call emergency services right away — don’t wait.

The news has said that today is only the start, and Thursday is expected to be much worse, so please take care, keep an eye on your neighbours, and stay safe.

We’re all in this together — stay warm, stay dry, and don’t hesitate to message me if you need something. 💛

— Henriette Nagel

11/10/2025

🌟 Thank You, Masterton! 🌟

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported me — with almost 1,500 votes 🗳️ I’m truly humbled and grateful.

This is not the last you’ll see of me! Over the next three years, I’ll be even more active in our community — listening, learning, and connecting with more of you who make Masterton such a special place. 💙

Congratulations to all the successful candidates — wishing you all the best for your term around the council table. Let’s keep working together to make Masterton thrive! 🙌

📣 Preliminary Election Results 📣

The preliminary results for the 2025 Masterton District Council elections are now available. Thank you to everyone who voted. Community participation is essential for shaping the future of our district.

This result is based upon the counting of approximately 85% of the returned votes. The progress result does not include some special votes and votes returned today that are still in transit to the processing centre. The outcome of these elections may change once all votes have been counted.

See full results on our website: https://www.mstn.govt.nz/council/elections/local-elections-2025/election-results-2025

​🗳️ Mayoralty
​JOHNSON, Bex - ​2,204
​ ​ ​
​​🗳️ Council At Large ​
​FALLOON, Jamie - 4,376
​LENNOX, Stella - 4,071
​HOLMES, David - ​2,782
​ ​ ​
​​🗳️ Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward ​
​*JOHNSON, Bex - ​3,268
​NELSON, Tim - 3,222
​BOWYER, Craig - 3,015
​CAFFELL, Gary - ​2,743
​GOODWIN, Brent - 2,298
​ ​ ​
(*Progress result only - Withdrawn as potentially elected as mayor)​​

​​🗳️ Masterton/Whakaoriori Māori Ward ​ ​
COLLINGS, Waireka​​ - ​361

---------------
​ ​​ ​
​​🌱 Māori Ward Poll ​
​I VOTE TO KEEP THE MĀORI WARD - 3,544

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​🏛️ Masterton Trust Lands Trust
​PATTERSON, Lyn - ​2,861​
​CAFFELL, Gary​ - ​2,430​
​MCHATTIE, David - ​2,046​
​BOWYER, Craig​ - ​1,993​

✅ Masterton Community Trust (6 vacancies)*

As the number of nominations received did not exceed the number of vacancies, Mena ANTONIO, Lucy GRIFFITHS, Bex JOHNSON, Sandy RYAN, Leanne SOUTHEY and Joanne WAITOA are elected unopposed.

🌲 Montfort Trimble Foundation (2 vacancies)

As the number of nominations received did not exceed the number of vacancies, Stan BRAAKSMA and Jason CHRISTENSEN are elected unopposed.

10/10/2025

Well that’s a wrap!!

10/10/2025

⏳🗳️ Final reminder, Masterton!

There’s still a little time left to get your voting papers in – voting closes tomorrow (Saturday) at 12pm sharp.

So far, only 36% of people have had their say, which means almost 2 out of 3 voices in our community still haven’t been heard. Every single vote truly matters for the future of Masterton.

📮 Pop your papers in the ballot box first thing tomorrow morning. Let’s make sure our community is represented and that your voice counts.

Together, we can make a difference 💙

08/10/2025

📢 Masterton, your vote counts!

So far, only 30.19% of votes are in – that’s 6,071 out of 20,108 people! 🗳️

We’re tracking behind previous years, and we need your voice to be heard. Every vote matters, and this is your chance to help shape Masterton’s future!

✅ Encourage your friends, whānau, and neighbours to vote.
✅ Make your one vote count!

Let’s get those numbers up and make a real difference! 💪