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.

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.

  • Continue working to make council operate more efficiently. I initiated reform in delivery and key performance indicators for all, including appointment of new CEO after 20 years and new road contractors after 10 years under the same model.

    Engage with Māori, as 27% of our people are of Māori descent. I established Toitu Māori engagement for 40 marae and the first-ever Māori affairs initiative.

    Support localism. The first community boards plans for local improved governance and voice with council were developed, and I would advocate for pay equity for the same jobs.

  • Introduce more forms of participatory democracy to engage communities that feel disconnected from council.

    Introduce public forums ahead of full council meetings, citizen assemblies, and strengthen community boards and committees.

    Review senior staffing costs and structure that increased by an extra $12 million annually in three years, adding to rates unaffordability.

  • Continue working to make council operate more efficiently. I initiated reform in delivery and key performance indicators for all, including appointment of new CEO after 20 years and new road contractors after 10 years under the same model.

    Engage with Māori, as 27% of our people are of Māori descent. I established Toitu Māori engagement for 40 marae and the first-ever Māori affairs initiative.

    Support localism. The first community boards plans for local improved governance and voice with council were developed, and I would advocate for pay equity for the same jobs.

  • Introduce more forms of participatory democracy to engage communities that feel disconnected from council.

    Introduce public forums ahead of full council meetings, citizen assemblies, and strengthen community boards and committees.

    Review senior staffing costs and structure that increased by an extra $12 million annually in three years, adding to rates unaffordability.