Mayor's column – Work in our community doesn't wait on the election
Published on 05 October 2026
A fortnightly column by Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper.
The Government recently confirmed it will take more time on local government reform, with decisions now coming after the election.
Reform of this scale is complex, and while this does leave us in limbo for the next few months, ultimately what matters is that Northland ends up with a structure that is workable, durable and serves our communities well.
But reform isn't the only thing waiting. Across the country, a great deal of work is now on hold until after the election, which brings home how imminent the election is and how much will rest on its outcome.
While much waits on the election, the work in our community doesn't stop. That's especially true of our frontline, the people we rely on to keep us safe and well whatever is happening around them. Last week brought that home.
Last Tuesday, we stood with officers and their families at Police Remembrance Day. Since 1890, 34 New Zealand Police members have died as a result of criminal acts while carrying out their duties.
These were leaders in their communities who put themselves in harm's way so the rest of us didn't have to. Each of them went to work and didn't come home. It was a moment for pausing and thinking about how much we rely on people who run towards trouble.
They're not alone. Our hospital has been reported as overwhelmed this year, yet our health workers keep caring for our whānau, often through long and exhausting shifts. When the rescue helicopter lifts off from Whangārei, it means a crew is on its way to someone on what may be the worst day of their life.
Closer to home, our Māori Wardens are a familiar presence in our streets. We recently met with them to hear about the work they're doing and what they're seeing in our community.
Their strength is in relationships. For people who are struggling, a Māori Warden is often the first friendly face and a way to connect with the help they need. It's fantastic work, and we're looking forward to building on it together.
That same steady commitment has been on show at Helena Bay Hill. Specialist crews have worked through difficult ground to stabilise the slip, at times abseiling down the slope to install drainage.
By the time you read this, Russell Road will be open. Speed restrictions will be in place at first, so please take extra care.
Russell Road slip clearance at Helena Bay Hill
Our thanks go to the east coast communities for their patience and resilience, and to those people who kept us safe on the Kaiikanui Road while the detour was in place.
Our frontline workers don’t do it for the recognition, but they deserve it. While we wait to see what the election will bring, the work of our community carries on, and our frontline people carry a great deal of it.
Let's continue to show them the respect they've earned and remember as well as honour those who gave everything in that service.