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.
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Whakatāne District is an amazing place, but we lack political leadership. The mayor needs to be a champion for our district, able to build relationships and to advocate on our behalf, including in Wellington. They need to be the captain of the ship, able to unite councillors and the community around a common purpose. They need to know how to get things done. I'm a straight talker and I do what I say.
I'm a businessman of 30 years. I hold a postgraduate qualification in Management and Sustainability. I'm a chartered member of the Institute of Directors and I have around 25 years of governance experience, including as an MP and local councillor. I work with some of the most financially disadvantaged communities in this district so I understand their issues. I have a reputation as a pragmatic optimist who is able to get things done.
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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