Mayor of New Plymouth

The mayor is the leader of the council. Their job is to promote a vision for the district and lead the development of the council’s plans, policies and budget. The mayor appoints the deputy mayor, establishes committees for particular topics, and appoints chairs for those committees. This is a single transferable vote (STV) election, so you vote by ranking the candidates on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the New Plymouth District Council mayoral election.

Sam Bennett

Elected Member New Plymouth District Council

Sam Bennett

Elected Member New Plymouth District Council

Why I'm standing

Because I have the governance, business, political and cultural acumen and experience to lead and influence our district through what will be a complex, demanding and unrelenting term. I have a deep love and connection to our tāngata and whenua our people and land, and I want to contribute to our future together. Hui e taiki e ! Forward Together.

About me

I have already proven myself to be a popular, relatable, tenacious, hardworking leader as a current elected member because I understand the role of governance and advocacy supported by my extensive business, political and cultural acumen. The key to being an effective elected member is listening carefully to the community with the intent to understand and act on their aspirations with particular focus on community board engagement from the mayor and all councillors.

My priorities
  1. Stop Pause Review Reset the 7% rate increase for year three long-term plan to ensure rates vs actual delivery.
  2. My goal is to ensure that our Three Waters assets remain locally owned and responsive.
  3. Urgent climate change must forefront our planning, and we need to do better before it is too late.
Current role

Elected Member New Plymouth District Council

Before politics

Entrepreneur/business CEO

Residence

Brooklands Ngamotu, New Plymouth

Age

57

Connect via
Why I'm standing

Because I have the governance, business, political and cultural acumen and experience to lead and influence our district through what will be a complex, demanding and unrelenting term. I have a deep love and connection to our tāngata and whenua our people and land, and I want to contribute to our future together. Hui e taiki e ! Forward Together.

About me

I have already proven myself to be a popular, relatable, tenacious, hardworking leader as a current elected member because I understand the role of governance and advocacy supported by my extensive business, political and cultural acumen. The key to being an effective elected member is listening carefully to the community with the intent to understand and act on their aspirations with particular focus on community board engagement from the mayor and all councillors.

My priorities
  1. Stop Pause Review Reset the 7% rate increase for year three long-term plan to ensure rates vs actual delivery.
  2. My goal is to ensure that our Three Waters assets remain locally owned and responsive.
  3. Urgent climate change must forefront our planning, and we need to do better before it is too late.
Current role

Elected Member New Plymouth District Council

Before politics

Entrepreneur/business CEO

Residence

Brooklands Ngamotu, New Plymouth

Age

57

Connect via