Mayor's column – Building on solid foundations Published on 27 July 2026 Last week brought news of real significance to Northland and Whangārei. The Government has confirmed up to $60 million in support to keep Golden Bay Cement operating at Portland.
Mayor's column – Getting reform right for Northland Published on 13 July 2026 Members from the four Northland councils have identified a preferred option for a new local government structure in the region.
Mayor's column – The cost of leaving it to others Published on 29 June 2026 There is no shortage of conversation about Whangārei and Northland at the moment. Public debate is constant, social media moves quickly, and information travels instantly but not always accurately.
Mayor's column – Leading through resilience Published on 16 June 2026 Now that we are moving into the winter months, is it timely to reflect on the first seven months of this iteration of Council.
Mayor's column – Carrying Northland’s momentum into the election year Published on 02 June 2026 There are periods in New Zealand’s history when major infrastructure decisions and changes to the regulatory framework have occurred at the same time. When they do, the effects on regions are often felt well beyond the moment those decisions are made.
Mayor's column – Shaping reform the Northland way Published on 18 May 2026 Northland has always had a strong sense of self-determination. Being masters of our own destiny reflects the reality that decisions in this region are shaped by distance, dispersed communities and complex geography.
Mayor's column – Is being a city of walks part of our identity? Published on 04 May 2026 What makes our walking network so special is the way it moves through and connects the landscape, linking neighbourhoods to nature, people to place, and the city to the environment that surrounds it. These tracks do not just cross our geography. They connect us as a community.
Mayor's column – A road that must connect more than places Published on 20 April 2026 The future connectivity of Northland is tied to one critical piece of infrastructure: a safe, reliable, four-lane highway between Warkworth and Te Hana.
Mayor's column – Building opportunity in Northland’s future Published on 07 April 2026 The Government’s commitment to recapitalise NorthTec is a clear signal of confidence in our region and in the potential of our people. It is a practical step toward a bigger goal for Northland, creating real pathways, stronger skills and long-term opportunity for the next generation.
Mayor's column – Governing our water well for the future Published on 23 March 2026 Water is something most of us take for granted. We turn on the tap and expect clean drinking water. We use facilities in our homes and trust that everything will work as it should. But behind that everyday reliability sits years of planning, investment and dedication.