2022

Mayor of Westland District

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 Westland District Council mayoral election.

Candidates

Policies

Explore the candidates in your area

Richard Osmaston

Richard Osmaston

Latham Martin

Latham Martin

Christopher John Rea

Christopher John Rea

Te Arohanui (TC) Cook

Te Arohanui (TC) Cook

Phil Paterson

Phil Paterson

Helen Lash

Helen Lash

Te Arohanui (TC) Cook

Te Arohanui (TC) Cook

Why I'm standing

I bring significant local government and management experience to the table, enabling confidence in seeking the best outcomes for Westland at a district, regional and national level. The loss of value of our Three Waters assets will place added financial burden upon ratepayers, reducing capacity to borrow, and losing control of setting of fees and charges for water. With looming local government reform, it is critical to protect local democracy and control our own destiny.

About me

I bring governance and operational experience to the council table with senior executive experience in three councils. I have also held ministerial appointments to commissions, boards and trusts, and have been a member of numerous committees and boards in the emergency management, education, tourism and health sector. As a member of the Institute of Directors I have completed a number of governance courses, including the Certificate in Company Direction. I will be present and accessible.

My priorities
  1. Minimise increases to Rates – to live within our means and be conscious of financial impacts.
  2. Deliver core services effectively and efficiently. Focus on regulated necessities.
  3. Protect local democracy. Ensuring the voice of Westland is heard and our needs are met.
Before politics

Executive Manager

Residence

Hokitika

Age

49

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Why I'm standing

I bring significant local government and management experience to the table, enabling confidence in seeking the best outcomes for Westland at a district, regional and national level. The loss of value of our Three Waters assets will place added financial burden upon ratepayers, reducing capacity to borrow, and losing control of setting of fees and charges for water. With looming local government reform, it is critical to protect local democracy and control our own destiny.

About me

I bring governance and operational experience to the council table with senior executive experience in three councils. I have also held ministerial appointments to commissions, boards and trusts, and have been a member of numerous committees and boards in the emergency management, education, tourism and health sector. As a member of the Institute of Directors I have completed a number of governance courses, including the Certificate in Company Direction. I will be present and accessible.

My priorities
  1. Minimise increases to Rates – to live within our means and be conscious of financial impacts.
  2. Deliver core services effectively and efficiently. Focus on regulated necessities.
  3. Protect local democracy. Ensuring the voice of Westland is heard and our needs are met.
Before politics

Executive Manager

Residence

Hokitika

Age

49

Connect via

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