NZ Local Elections 2025

Mayor of South Wairarapa

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 South Wairarapa District Council mayoral election.

Candidates

Policies

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Fran Wilde

Fran Wilde

Independent

Leah Hawkins

Leah Hawkins

Fran Wilde

Independent

Fran Wilde

Independent

Why I'm standing

South Wairarapa is in crisis. Years of deferred infrastructure spending have resulted in recent astronomical rates increases, putting pressure on residents, especially young families and retirees on fixed incomes. The halting of new building consents has dramatically impacted tradies and suppliers with the economy badly hit. The district urgently needs strong, experienced leadership – a mayor who can hit the ground running and who knows how to expedite sound, sensible decisions.

About me

I have a lifetime leading complex organisations (public and private sector) including being a mayor, cabinet minister, CEO of a large agency and chair or director on many boards from small family businesses to listed companies. I have always been deeply involved in community groups and philanthropy, understanding the importance of "local". I am definitely not a single-issue person. I am a mother and grandmother and a 24-year-long ratepayer in beautiful South Wairarapa.

My priorities
  1. Change council culture, top down, so it is the most helpful value for money council in NZ.
  2. Work with residents, business and iwi to create community, economic and environmental success.
  3. Ensure all infrastructure is affordable and future-proof, making the best use of technology.
Residence

Greytown, South Wairarapa

Age

76

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Why I'm standing

South Wairarapa is in crisis. Years of deferred infrastructure spending have resulted in recent astronomical rates increases, putting pressure on residents, especially young families and retirees on fixed incomes. The halting of new building consents has dramatically impacted tradies and suppliers with the economy badly hit. The district urgently needs strong, experienced leadership – a mayor who can hit the ground running and who knows how to expedite sound, sensible decisions.

About me

I have a lifetime leading complex organisations (public and private sector) including being a mayor, cabinet minister, CEO of a large agency and chair or director on many boards from small family businesses to listed companies. I have always been deeply involved in community groups and philanthropy, understanding the importance of "local". I am definitely not a single-issue person. I am a mother and grandmother and a 24-year-long ratepayer in beautiful South Wairarapa.

My priorities
  1. Change council culture, top down, so it is the most helpful value for money council in NZ.
  2. Work with residents, business and iwi to create community, economic and environmental success.
  3. Ensure all infrastructure is affordable and future-proof, making the best use of technology.
Residence

Greytown, South Wairarapa

Age

76

Connect via

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