New Plymouth mayor could be named world's best

New Plymouth Mayor Peter Tennent could be recognised as the world's best mayor this year, after being shortlisted for an international prize.

Mr Tennent is one of 25 mayors from around the world in the running for the title, run by an international think tank on urban affairs, City Mayors.

The world mayor award honours mayors with the vision, passion and skills to make their cities incredible places to live in, work in and visit.

There were 840 nominations received.

Mr Tennent said he was humbled and proud but being shortlisted was as much a reflection on New Plymouth and New Zealand as on himself.

"We're recognised around the world as having strong local democracies where communities work together to make great things happen," he said.

"What happens here in New Plymouth is representative of the New Zealand ethos - we're all incredibly proud of this place and the lifestyle we all enjoy, but are always looking at how we can work together to make things even better."

New Plymouth deputy mayor Alex Matheson said Mr Tennent had played a large role in putting New Plymouth on the map during his nine years in the job. "His enthusiasm and all-round vision for New Plymouth District are outstanding, and in my view his energy to enable that vision to come to fruition is second to none."

There will be a public vote to decide the winner. In 2008 New Plymouth won three major awards, including the whole city award as the best city of its size in the world (20,001-75,000 population category).

Click here to vote.

- NZPA