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.

Candidates

Policies

Explore the candidates in your area

Rob Scott

Rob Scott

Gary Tong

Gary Tong

Don Byars

Don Byars

Kirsty Pickett

Kirsty Pickett

Wendy Joy Baker

Wendy Joy Baker

Geoffrey Young

Geoffrey Young

Rob Scott

Southland District Councillor

Rob Scott

Southland District Councillor

Why I'm standing

Southland never ceases to amaze me with its ability to continually and quietly punch above its weight. From tourism, to agriculture to our great little towns, we have it all. I have loved serving my community as a councillor. During this time I have seen what works really well, what is broken and importantly, I know how to fix it. This is why I'd be honoured to serve this wonderful place as your mayor.

About me

I have the perfect combination of political experience and business acumen, which when combined with my volunteer roles in significant community organisations, provides a level of experience to draw from and enables me to make effective decisions. I am a good communicator and a clear thinker with an open mind. A natural problem solver who is allergic to bureaucracy, I work proactively to ensure that solutions are in place before problems even arise.

My priorities
  1. Ensure that accountability is a key focus on every piece of work involving ratepayer money.
  2. Ensure that the tidal wave of reform is fit for purpose for Southland, and advocate strongly.
  3. Introduce a new leadership approach that builds trust with, and empowers our communities.
Current role

Southland District Councillor

Before politics

Small Business Owner

Residence

Lumsden

Age

42

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Why I'm standing

Southland never ceases to amaze me with its ability to continually and quietly punch above its weight. From tourism, to agriculture to our great little towns, we have it all. I have loved serving my community as a councillor. During this time I have seen what works really well, what is broken and importantly, I know how to fix it. This is why I'd be honoured to serve this wonderful place as your mayor.

About me

I have the perfect combination of political experience and business acumen, which when combined with my volunteer roles in significant community organisations, provides a level of experience to draw from and enables me to make effective decisions. I am a good communicator and a clear thinker with an open mind. A natural problem solver who is allergic to bureaucracy, I work proactively to ensure that solutions are in place before problems even arise.

My priorities
  1. Ensure that accountability is a key focus on every piece of work involving ratepayer money.
  2. Ensure that the tidal wave of reform is fit for purpose for Southland, and advocate strongly.
  3. Introduce a new leadership approach that builds trust with, and empowers our communities.
Current role

Southland District Councillor

Before politics

Small Business Owner

Residence

Lumsden

Age

42

Connect via

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