Jane Burns
Last updated: 26 Aug, 2025 11:07am
Candidate Statement
I am excited about the potential to represent my community as a Carterton District Councillor, which would be both an honour and a privilege.
I am committed to stabilising rates increases through financial planning, fiscal discipline and having a clear focus on doing the basics well.
I have a common-sense approach, I believe that listening to and understanding the concerns of the community will allow me to represent Carterton to the best of my ability, putting rate-payers at the heart of decisions.
I have been a Registered Osteopath for over 20 years, and I own and operate Wairarapa Osteopathy, a local Carterton business. I am also the Deputy Chair of the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand, and I’m currently studying for a Masters of Public Policy at Victoria University. I live with my partner and two children in Carterton, we love living in this wonderful community.
Video transcript
Kia ora, my name is Jane Burns, I’m a New Zealand citizen but I’m originally from Australia, but don’t hold that against me! Carterton is my home, I live here with my partner and two children, and we love it.
I’m a Registered Osteopath, a local business owner and local employer – I’ve owned and operated Wairarapa Osteopathy for over 10 years. I’m also the deputy Chair of the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand. I’m studying for a Masters of Public Policy at Victoria University.
Skills I bring: collaborative style, big picture thinking, and I’m passionate about doing what I can to help Carterton thrive.
My top priority for the next 3 years is listening to and understanding the concerns of the Carterton Community, so that I can put residents at the heart of all decisions. I have a common sense
approach, and I try to find win-win solutions and build consensus when I can. At the same time I’m prepared to stand up for our town and put Carterton residents and their concerns first. I love this
community and I want to use all of my skills and experience to make good decisions.
The main issue I’m hearing from residents is about the impact that unsustainable rates increases are having on them I’m committed to working to reduce rates increases, looking at factors including;
focusing Council spending on doing the basics well, exploring ideas of how Carterton could collaborate more with other Councils in order to reduce costs, looking at the big picture factors of how we
have got into this situation…underinvestment in critical infrastructure, and the structural funding limits of rating systems.
