Four out of five mayors stand again

BY MICHELLE DUFF AND GRANT MILLER

A regional mayoralty race is now wide open as long-standing Tararua Mayor Maureen Reynolds reveals she will not pursue the role again.

All four other mayors in the region – Jono Naylor, Ian McKelvie, Brendan Duffy and Chalky Leary – have signalled they will seek re-election in October.

Mrs Reynolds told the Manawatu Standard that she would not stand again, ending a four-term stint.

"I've been the mayor for 12 years, it's somebody else's turn," the Dannevirke resident and grandmother of six said.

The announcement signals an end to Mrs Reynold's career in local government, which began in 1992 when she was elected as a member of the Dannevirke Community Board.

Three years later she was made chairwoman, and in 1998 she became mayor of the district.

Mrs Reynolds decided this term would be her last after the 2007 elections.

"I want to move on to pursue some other challenges in other areas.

"I have enjoyed it thoroughly and I'm going to miss it hugely – some aspects more than others – and I think it's time for someone else to have a go."

She plans to stay in the Tararua District.

"I don't intend to sit at home with my feet up or in a rocking chair. I'll be active in the community, and I have a reasonably sized garden that needs to be taken care of."

Before her term ends she aims to get a $2.4 million government grant for a new Pahiatua water supply, and see work begin on Woodville's town centre upgrade.

Palmerston North Mayor Jono Naylor said the city did not need another change of direction, and confirmed he would stand again for a possible second term.

The city has had one-term mayors since Jill White took office in 1998, with Mr Naylor taking over from Heather Tanguay in 2007 after she toppled Mark Bell-Booth in 2004.

Mr Naylor said he had made a positive contribution in the past three years and wanted to carry on.

"This term, for me, has been about consolidation, stabilising things," he said.

In the next three years he wanted the city to grow, as well as committing itself to sustainability.

Manawatu District Mayor Ian McKelvie said it was highly likely he would run again.

"I think my decision will depend on the work we do on the city boundaries and the strategic planning on the future governance of the region.

"If the report gives me something to do I'll stand again, if it gives me nothing to do then I won't stand," he said.

Palmerston North City Council and Manawatu District Council have employed an Auckland consultancy to determine whether the two councils should merge, change their boundaries or carry out services across the boundaries.

The consultant is yet to state a preference on future governance.

Horowhenua Mayor Brendon Duffy said he felt his job was unfinished.

"I spent my first term focusing on getting a new council building, second term was all about the district plan, now I want to put energy into infrastructure. We have to get some upgrades going."

Rangitikei Mayor Chalky Leary, who was elected in 2007, said he would definitely stand again.

"I want to see things through and make sure the progress we are making continues."

He was opposed to amalgamation with other councils.

Nominations for city, district, and regional councils, and district health boards, open on July 23 and close on August 20. Voting papers should arrive in letterboxes about September 17. The final day of voting is October 9.

- © Fairfax NZ News