2022

Mayor of Southland

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 first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Southland District Council mayoral election.

Mayor of Southland candidates

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Rob Scott

Gary Tong

Don Byars

Kirsty Pickett

Wendy Joy Baker

Geoffrey Young

Kirsty Pickett

We're better together

Why I'm standing

I offer a well-rounded background that encompasses farming, corporate management, small business ownership and community governance. I have served my apprenticeship on the sidelines of local government, but in the thick of community leadership. I have the leadership skills necessary to help the council navigate the journey ahead, and the communication skills to ensure that nobody in our district is left behind.

About me

A journalist for 30 years (Kirsty Macnicol), I am a born-and-bred Southlander, business owner and active participant in my community, including as a highland dancing teacher and organiser of the Te Anau Tartan Festival. I currently serve as a trustee on Community Trust South and director of Invest South. For more about me and the values that have shaped me, visit my website.

My priorities

  1. Commit to a plan enabling the separation of glass from the recycling collection as soon as possible.
  2. Embed a culture of strong and effective communication from governance to every tier of operation.
  3. Review the input of community boards, with a view to increasing their autonomy and accountability

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