NZ Local Elections 2025

Mayor of Waitaki

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 Waitaki District Council mayoral election.

Candidates

Policies

Explore the candidates in your area

Guy Percival

Guy Percival

Melanie Tavendale

Melanie Tavendale

Independent

Kelli Williams

Kelli Williams

Independent

David Wilson

David Wilson

Melanie Tavendale

Independent

Melanie Tavendale

Independent

Why I'm standing

I believe Waitaki has amazing potential and opportunity, and we need someone who is experienced and enthusiastic about the future leading our council. Affordability is our biggest issue, and we need to minimise council spend and find non-rate solutions to our funding challenges. It is time we worked differently, partnering with locals, our business community and central government rather than working against each other. Communication and strong relationships will be key to our success.

About me

I am very passionate about Waitaki, have strong networks and relationships, and my style of working has earned the trust of those around me. I have experience, with nine years on council, six as deputy mayor. I am a trained journalist, with a strong comprehension of the issues facing Waitaki. I excel in building consensus and bringing a team together. In challenging times you need a strong, calm leader you can trust.

My priorities
  1. Prioritise affordability by keeping finances on track, finding affordable solutions, getting the basics right and living within means.
  2. Prioritise transparency by providing clear, timely, easy to access information, enabling informed discussions and respectful debate.
  3. Prioritise communication and collaboration by fostering an environment where people can comfortably challenge ideas.
Residence

Kakanui

Age

44

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I believe Waitaki has amazing potential and opportunity, and we need someone who is experienced and enthusiastic about the future leading our council. Affordability is our biggest issue, and we need to minimise council spend and find non-rate solutions to our funding challenges. It is time we worked differently, partnering with locals, our business community and central government rather than working against each other. Communication and strong relationships will be key to our success.

About me

I am very passionate about Waitaki, have strong networks and relationships, and my style of working has earned the trust of those around me. I have experience, with nine years on council, six as deputy mayor. I am a trained journalist, with a strong comprehension of the issues facing Waitaki. I excel in building consensus and bringing a team together. In challenging times you need a strong, calm leader you can trust.

My priorities
  1. Prioritise affordability by keeping finances on track, finding affordable solutions, getting the basics right and living within means.
  2. Prioritise transparency by providing clear, timely, easy to access information, enabling informed discussions and respectful debate.
  3. Prioritise communication and collaboration by fostering an environment where people can comfortably challenge ideas.
Residence

Kakanui

Age

44

Connect via

Mayor

Compare the mayoral candidates in your area

Explore

Local council

Compare the candidates for your city or district council

Explore

Regional council

Compare the candidates for your regional council

Explore

Local board

Compare the candidates for your local or community board

Explore