The last hoorah Published on 26 September 2022 This is the last mayoral column and farewell message by the outgoing mayor Her Worship, Sheryl Mai. Tagged as: , Mayors column
Enrol to vote – there’s still time! Published on 12 September 2022 Remember, if you haven’t already enrolled, it’s not too late. This is your local community, and your local government. Let’s raise our turnout to 60 percent minimum! Tagged as: , Mayors column
Airport Location Study: safeguarding our future Published on 29 August 2022 Our Council has made the decision to further investigate a site at Ruatangata, near Kokopu Road, as its preferred location for a future Whangārei District airport. Tagged as: , Mayors column
How to select a new mayor Published on 15 August 2022 I am often asked who people should vote for. My response is that it’s up to everyone to select their preferred candidate using their own criteria. There are qualities I’ll be looking for in our new mayor, and many of those qualities will apply to ward candidates. Tagged as: , Mayors column
Standing for council? Kua tae te wā! Published on 01 August 2022 We are now well into the ‘Stand’ phase of local elections. People from all walks of life, experience levels, ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds are raising their hands to be considered by the community for election. Tagged as: , Mayors column
Better off, not better water Published on 18 July 2022 The Water Services Entity Bill has had its first reading in Parliament and is now open for submissions. Our Council still opposes the reforms. You can make a submission till 22 July 2022. Tagged as: , Mayors column
Youth crime calls for community response Published on 04 July 2022 We all have a part to play. Collectively we all want what’s best for every young person, and for them to feel a sense of hope and pride in the lives of our youth. Tagged as: , Mayors column
Welcoming Matariki Published on 20 June 2022 My hope is that we continue to strengthen our understanding of te ao Māori, weaving the Māori world view into our workplaces, communities, environment, governance and way of life. Tagged as: , Mayors column
Celebrating a lifetime of service Published on 06 June 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours list will be released today. Each name on that list represents a kiwi who deserves recognition for going above and beyond in their industry, community, or field of service. Tagged as: , Mayors column
International Rally raising Whangārei’s profile Published on 23 May 2022 Congratulations to the organising team, volunteers, racing crew and sponsors. What a prize for our District to host such an internationally renowned event for so many years. Tagged as: , Mayors column
Co-Governance and our climate Published on 09 May 2022 The Te Tai Tokerau Climate Adaptation Strategy is a landmark piece of work. This is Aotearoa’s first regional climate adaptation strategy to be co-created and adopted by multiple councils, and the cooperative way in which it was created is a success story in itself. Tagged as: , Mayors column
We will remember them Published on 25 April 2022 We come together today to commemorate New Zealanders who served in war and in peace, and to honour returned and serving service men and women. This day we mark the landings of Australian and New Zealand soldiers – the ANZACs – on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. Tagged as: , Mayors column
Three Waters court case Published on 28 February 2022 It’s not every day that Council goes to Court to fight the Government, but that is precisely what our Council will be doing in a High Court hearing in June 2022. Tagged as: , Mayors column