ACT Local has selected Robbie Byars a practical and principled dairy farmer from Kaka Point, as its candidate for the Molyneux Ward in the upcoming Otago Regional Council election.

Robbie brings firsthand experience in the rural economy and a strong belief in protecting property rights, fair representation, and personal responsibility. Known for being results-focused and unafraid to speak up when things don’t make sense, he values common sense over bureaucracy and believes everyday people deserve to have their voices heard and respected. He is standing to bring local insight, practical leadership, and real-world accountability back into local government.

“I’m standing because poor council decisions are making life harder for everyone — from rising costs to needless red tape. I’ll ask the hard questions, stand up for ratepayers, and push for practical, common-sense solutions that make life easier for both town and country.” – Robbie Byars

Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects.

When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting:

• Fixing the basics
• Cutting the waste
• Ending race-based politics
• Restoring accountability

ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says:

“ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who’ve had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It’s time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won’t divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They’re here to serve, not lecture."