Mayor of Whangārei

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 Whangarei 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 the council's decision making process is open, transparent and accountable to the public.

    Move to ensure all new long-term supplier contracts include an allowance for the employees to be paid the living wage as the minimum base.

    Remain well connected to local iwi and work closely them.

  • Start a programme where all councillors are in their wards with ratepayers once a week. This ensures they act on behalf of ratepayers' needs.

    Review staffing levels with the council to focus on areas of services to ratepayers.

    Lower the dependency on consultants to the council to reflect better spend for ratepayers.

  • Remove all council involvement in election processes. It's undemocratic. Allow freedom for anyone to stand for council without restriction.

    Repeal signs bylaw that allows candidates free reign to put signs on public land. Elections should not be won by who has the most signs.

    Better engage with all communities to find their needs instead of telling them their needs.

  • I support the court challenge to central government regarding Three Waters.

    Māori wards: We are all committed to the north, so broad representation is a great way of working together on common goals.

    All policy ideas require strong relationships with local businesses and industry and then a united, joint approach to central government.

  • Engage authentically with the community to co-create solutions to our districts issues.

    Hold wānanga once a month for a weekend around the district as mayor to spend real time getting to know the community and its issues.

    Advocate for the implementation of the STV voting method to allow for a more diverse group of councillors and experience at the table.

  • Develop a monthly letter to the community, explaining what is happening in their area and when changes may be happening.

    Encourage good engagement with all of our community, so that all voices are heard.

    Encourage live streaming of all non-confidential meetings and hearings, so that all have a chance to be involved.

  • Ensure the council's decision making process is open, transparent and accountable to the public.

    Move to ensure all new long-term supplier contracts include an allowance for the employees to be paid the living wage as the minimum base.

    Remain well connected to local iwi and work closely them.

  • Start a programme where all councillors are in their wards with ratepayers once a week. This ensures they act on behalf of ratepayers' needs.

    Review staffing levels with the council to focus on areas of services to ratepayers.

    Lower the dependency on consultants to the council to reflect better spend for ratepayers.

  • Remove all council involvement in election processes. It's undemocratic. Allow freedom for anyone to stand for council without restriction.

    Repeal signs bylaw that allows candidates free reign to put signs on public land. Elections should not be won by who has the most signs.

    Better engage with all communities to find their needs instead of telling them their needs.

  • I support the court challenge to central government regarding Three Waters.

    Māori wards: We are all committed to the north, so broad representation is a great way of working together on common goals.

    All policy ideas require strong relationships with local businesses and industry and then a united, joint approach to central government.

  • Engage authentically with the community to co-create solutions to our districts issues.

    Hold wānanga once a month for a weekend around the district as mayor to spend real time getting to know the community and its issues.

    Advocate for the implementation of the STV voting method to allow for a more diverse group of councillors and experience at the table.

  • Develop a monthly letter to the community, explaining what is happening in their area and when changes may be happening.

    Encourage good engagement with all of our community, so that all voices are heard.

    Encourage live streaming of all non-confidential meetings and hearings, so that all have a chance to be involved.