Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall feels not having any competition is 'short-circuiting' democracy is pleased not to have to deal with hoardings, soap-boxes and leaflets. Photo / Bevan Conley
Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall feels not having any competition is 'short-circuiting' democracy is pleased not to have to deal with hoardings, soap-boxes and leaflets. Photo / Bevan Conley
Hundreds of people are being elected to council positions worth millions of dollars a year without needing to secure a single vote.
More than 220 people across the country will be elected unopposed in next month's local elections. Together, their starting salaries will total more than $4 million a year.
While many of the candidates are very popular in their local communities, some are disappointed with the lack of competition for their roles.
The mayors of Waipa, South Waikato, Whanganui, Rangitikei, Clutha and Gore Districts are guaranteed another three years in their jobs, worth a combined $700,000 every year.
More than 50 councillors – including every Kaikoura councillor, most Clutha councillors and two Auckland councillors – are guaranteed jobs worth a combined $688,000 a year.
Seventeen regional councillors have also been unchallenged, for roles worth a combined $864,000 a year, including most of Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Almost 150 people have secured guaranteed positions on community boards worth a combined $880,000 a year – including dozens of positions in Southland and New Plymouth District – by filling out an application form before the deadline.
Councils will also have to hold byelections for 20 other positions – together worth more than $100,000 – because no one applied by the deadline.
Hamish McDouall, Whanganui mayor - Salary $141,000
Hamish McDouall says his next term will focus on big projects, like work on the Port, Pilots' Academy and Sarjeant Gallery.
"I sometimes feel that not having any competition is 'short-circuiting' democracy – but I am obviously pleased not to have to deal with hoardings, soap-boxes and leaflets.
"I think I am unopposed partly because the community as a whole is happy with the job I have done, but it may also represent the advantage of incumbency."
Jim Mylchreest, Waipa mayor - Salary $135,500
Waipa mayor Jim Mylchreest. Photo / Supplied
Jim Mylchreest is one of many people at Waipa District Council being elected unopposed. He told Te Awamutu Chronicle he takes the position extremely seriously.
"The Mayoralty is in my view the highest honour the community can bestow on anyone. It is an important and rewarding role, and people can make a difference, but patience is required.
"Our population rose by over 1000 last year and there were 1200 new jobs created. That puts pressure on a Council, but also presents opportunities."
Jenny Shattock, South Waikato mayor - Salary $120,500
Jenny Shattock says her district will be facing a period of growth after a long population decline. The district is also facing up to other challenges like river pollution and climate change.
"Naturally I'm very pleased to be back as mayor unopposed. The reaction from people has been much more positive than negative.
"I believe we have presented a positive way forward. I am grateful the community feels that way and I will continue to work hard to champion the district."
Auckland councillor Bill Cashmore. Photo / Dean Purcell
Bill Cashmore and Greg Sayers, Auckland councillors - Starting salary $106,306
Greg Sayers will go at least six years without needing to seek reelection. Franklin ward councillor and Auckland deputy mayor Bill Cashmore will go nine.
"Would I prefer to be contesting an election? Hell yes. Dispelling the misinformation outright bull dust, sometimes spoken, is something that needs to be done," Cashmore said.
"Lazy negative politics helps no one. Explaining that truth to the community is something I always do, the good and the not so good. The community deserves that and nothing less."
Auckland Councillor Greg Sayers, who represents the Rodney ward. Photo / Michael Craig
Andy Watson, Rangitikei mayor - Salary $107,00
Andy Watson plans to prioritise critical capital infrastructure issues in his third term as mayor. He says the lack of competition for his role isn't a sign of low political engagement.
"There is significant interest and competition for places at our Council table and so I would like to think that it is an endorsement of me as mayor.
"We have multiple small towns spread over a huge geographical area. This creates funding challenges and many meetings. The upside is that the residents are open to conversations about poor performance."
Rangitikei District Mayor Andy Watson. Photo / Bevan Conley
