Mayor of Whanganui

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 Whanganui District Council mayoral election.

Explore the candidates in your area

Hamish McDouall

Independent

| Mayor of Whanganui

Hamish McDouall

Independent

| Mayor of Whanganui

Why I'm standing

Whanganui is working – it is vibrant, growing, beautiful with a growing reputation. I have been a major part of that, and, in my final term, I want to ensure the trajectory remains positive. I want to finish what I started and am the most experienced, capable, best qualified and only proven candidate standing for the mayoralty.

About me

Having been the mayor for six years and vice-president of LGNZ for three, I understand local government and the role of mayor. I know what drives our community, and what challenges and opportunities await Whanganui. I have built enduring relationships over the last 12 years – with iwi, the volunteer sector, with central government and business, with the media, with the education, police and health sector, with neighbouring councils. But most importantly with our people.

My priorities
  1. Completing the port regeneration project, and the Sarjeant Gallery.
  2. Increasing housing supply both pensioner flats, and social housing partnering with iwi and government.
  3. Climate change initiatives including planting a million trees and enhancing biodiversity.
Current role

Mayor of Whanganui

Before politics

Lawyer and Writer

Residence

Westmere

Age

53

Connect via
Why I'm standing

Whanganui is working – it is vibrant, growing, beautiful with a growing reputation. I have been a major part of that, and, in my final term, I want to ensure the trajectory remains positive. I want to finish what I started and am the most experienced, capable, best qualified and only proven candidate standing for the mayoralty.

About me

Having been the mayor for six years and vice-president of LGNZ for three, I understand local government and the role of mayor. I know what drives our community, and what challenges and opportunities await Whanganui. I have built enduring relationships over the last 12 years – with iwi, the volunteer sector, with central government and business, with the media, with the education, police and health sector, with neighbouring councils. But most importantly with our people.

My priorities
  1. Completing the port regeneration project, and the Sarjeant Gallery.
  2. Increasing housing supply both pensioner flats, and social housing partnering with iwi and government.
  3. Climate change initiatives including planting a million trees and enhancing biodiversity.
Current role

Mayor of Whanganui

Before politics

Lawyer and Writer

Residence

Westmere

Age

53

Connect via
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