Mayor of Whakatāne

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 Whakatāne District Council mayoral election.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

  • Ensure that what is local stays local. For instance water is a local issue.

    Seek more feedback from the community on novel ideas for the solution of district's problems. Make more use of local expertise.

    Organise community town hall meetings to stimulate engagement and encourage the teaching of civic education.

  • Hold council meetings around the district on a cyclic basis to hear directly from small communities.

    Promote clear and frank information around major decisions.

    Empower community boards to do more things.

  • Utilise the council buildings as a hub. Provide open internet and printing services, business workshops, and informal chats with councillors.

    Attend each community board meeting each quarter of the year. The mayoral vehicle is a great resource for this purpose.

    Grow pride in attending together all public events funded by the council. Unity to develop through karakia, pōwhiri, and waiata.

  • Ensure that what is local stays local. For instance water is a local issue.

    Seek more feedback from the community on novel ideas for the solution of district's problems. Make more use of local expertise.

    Organise community town hall meetings to stimulate engagement and encourage the teaching of civic education.

  • Hold council meetings around the district on a cyclic basis to hear directly from small communities.

    Promote clear and frank information around major decisions.

    Empower community boards to do more things.

  • Utilise the council buildings as a hub. Provide open internet and printing services, business workshops, and informal chats with councillors.

    Attend each community board meeting each quarter of the year. The mayoral vehicle is a great resource for this purpose.

    Grow pride in attending together all public events funded by the council. Unity to develop through karakia, pōwhiri, and waiata.