Mayor of Waikato
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 Waikato District Council mayoral election.
Mayor of Waikato candidates
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Aksel Bech
Why I'm standing
I have lived, worked and raised a family in the Waikato over the past 25 years. It is a great place that I am passionate about. I believe council is in a master-servant relationship with communities but has forgotten it is the servant, not master. I am standing to empower communities through voice, choice and control. I believe that with this empowerment we can then meaningfully address rates affordability and reset how council works for our communities.
About me
I bring to the role of mayor a range of experiences and qualities that include my commercial and manufacturing experiences as a business owner at NDA Engineering, a large stainless steel fabricator, former councillor and deputy mayor in the last term of council, and residency for over 25 years. I am driven by a belief that a reset of council is required, with empowerment of communities through voice, choice and control at the core.
My priorities
- Put a stop to runaway rate rises and improve rates affordability.
- Empower communities through voice, choice and control for a reset of council's operations.
- Increase transparency and accountability to communities through more public forums and citizen assemblies.
Get across the policies, candidates and parties
Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2025 local elections. Compare the candidates and policies to see where you stand.
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