Mayors Memo

7 Nov, 2022

Kia ora and hello,

This is my first message as your mayor. It is very humbling to be asked to represent you all. It’s a deep responsibility that I take seriously.

I’ll be writing to you each month to keep you up to date with what’s going on in the region.

Last week the other Elected Members and I were officially sworn in. The oath we swear is to serve the best interests of the whole district, regardless of the ward we represent, and that is what I intend to do.

I have already spent some time in Wellington getting to know the new mayors from other councils and learning the finer processes of working in Local Government. I enjoyed meeting other mayors who share common goals and challenges, and establishing some good relationships with them. I expect we’ll continue to work together to share ideas and experiences that will best serve our respective districts.

My goal is to build a council team where we all get on, and we are already making good progress on that front. I have appointed councillor (Jonathan) Larsen as deputy mayor, who brings years of council experience to the role – that’s important when 70 per cent of council members are new. I value the different voices in the group and the talents other members will bring. We’ve committed to work together for the benefit of the whole district.

Already we have a number of issues which, as a council, require careful consideration and response. That includes the proposed Local Government reform and an alternative for Three Waters put forward by the mayors of Auckland, Christchurch and Waitaki, which I support wholeheartedly.

I acknowledge the economic challenges many of us are facing are difficult – for businesses and individuals. Already a lot of you have made contact to congratulate me, and to discuss local issues. I have done my best to respond and am keeping in touch as much as possible.

Thank you all for your support and confidence and I look forward to championing Kaipara’s interests.

Hei kona mai / Goodbye for now

Mayor Craig Jepson

Kaipara District