"Those early experiences shaped my values. They taught me the importance of fairness, hard work, and whanau, and they’re the reason I’m standing today.
Whangarei raised me, and now I want to give back"
About
ChanelleArmstrong
Raised in Whangarei
I grew up in Whangarei, the eldest of seven kids in a busy household. My mum was a home executive – nurse, tutor, chef – all the things, and my dad worked in health. Money was tight, but we always had what mattered: a home, good kai in the fridge, solid parents, big loud dinners, friends over most nights, and a backyard that could be a cricket pitch, wrestling ring, or campsite depending on the day.
We lived in neighbourhoods where people looked out for each other. Ride shares with other families to school, aunties showing up with kai if you were going through it – you learned early on that community wasn’t just a nice idea, it was how you got through life together.
I went to local schools, played netball at Kensington, and spent weekends at community gatherings where someone was always handing you a baby to hold or a dish to wash. I learned to speak up when something wasn’t right, to roll up my sleeves when help was needed, and to always check on your people.
Whangarei shaped my values. It taught me resilience, fairness, and to stand tall in who you are. I carry those lessons every day – and they’re why I’m running. Because I know what it means to belong to this place, and I want every whānau to feel that same sense of connection, pride, and possibility.
From community roots to community service
Throughout my upbringing, I was fortunate to have mentors and role models who exemplified the true essence of servant leadership. They taught me the importance of giving back to the community and the profound impact that selfless service can have on others. They role-modelled service, from coaching sports teams to sitting on the school board, and taught me the importance of service.
That foundation has guided me throughout my career. I’ve worked across government, health, and community sectors in roles that center people, equity, and systems change. I cut my teeth in social services and community development before moving into communications and strategy roles where I could amplify community voice and influence decision-making at the systems level.
Currently, I work as a strategic engagement lead in health. In this role, I work to make sure our strategies are grounded in the lived realities of whanau, and that their voices are shaping the design of health services.
I’m known for being both a strategic thinker and a practical doer, someone who can pick up the tea towel in the marae, or step back and make the plan. I love mahi that makes a difference, and I especially love doing it in the place I call home.
Leading with heart and backbone
Leadership isn’t always about standing at the front. It’s often about standing beside people, helping them be heard, and making sure decisions reflect their real lives. That’s how I lead, and it’s how I’ve served in the governance roles I’ve held.
For the past five years, I’ve chaired a community-led group in Raumanga focused on building opportunities for rangatahi, whānau, and kaumatua to connect, thrive, and be proud of where they live. In the past two years I’ve supported over $300,000 of investment into the community, including the development of a new playground, a basketball court, and a number of community events and programmes, all co-designed with locals.
I work closely with iwi-Māori Partnership Boards, supporting the integration of community voice into health planning and design, and I’ve led engagement processes with hapū, council, and crown agencies across Northland and beyond. I bring a calm, clear, and relational approach, the kind that helps groups move from korero to action.
I’ve served in leadership roles within my church, including as a youth leader, as regional children’s programme lead, and a public affairs director - all voluntary roles that have deepened my love for community building and the small, everyday ways people show up for each other.
I’ve been an advocate in my community for years, and I know the power of local voices driving local change. I’m a collaborator at heart and I’ll work with anyone who shares common goals, whether it’s hapori groups, local businesses, marae, school boards, or government agencies. I want to see more support for grassroots initiatives and communities being backed to get what they need.
For me, governance is about holding the long view. It's being accountable, listening deeply, and making sure decisions today are setting us up for a better tomorrow.
Keep up with me on Social media
CHANELLE ARMSTRONG
Standing for Hikurangi-Coastal Ward
Your voice matters. Let’s shape the future of our rural and coastal communities together.
Coffee catch-ups:
Join me at Te Akau Roa in Tutukaka on Friday mornings – a chance to kōrero about what matters to you over a coffee.
Email: chanelle.armstrong@hotmail.com
Facebook: Chanelle Armstrong for Hikurangi-Coastal