Mayor of Whakatāne

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.

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.

  • Hold council meetings in towns around the district at least once in each so people can see councillors face to face.

    Hold regular public meetings in the council chamber where anyone can ask questions and have a say.

    Re-establish mayoral coffee mornings where people can talk to the mayor and ward councillors in an informal setting.

  • Implement better, more direct forms of democracy utilising modern technology including mobile phone for instant consultations, for example the Antenno app.

    Improve statistical analysis of survey data to achieve a more representative picture due to current practices not working well.

    Conduct more direct outreach to schools to improve understanding of democracy and civics education.

  • Hold council meetings in towns around the district at least once in each so people can see councillors face to face.

    Hold regular public meetings in the council chamber where anyone can ask questions and have a say.

    Re-establish mayoral coffee mornings where people can talk to the mayor and ward councillors in an informal setting.

  • Implement better, more direct forms of democracy utilising modern technology including mobile phone for instant consultations, for example the Antenno app.

    Improve statistical analysis of survey data to achieve a more representative picture due to current practices not working well.

    Conduct more direct outreach to schools to improve understanding of democracy and civics education.