Josh Chandulal-Mackay says he is not a fan of “flip-floppy politics”. Photo / NZME
Josh Chandulal-Mackay says he is not a fan of “flip-floppy politics”. Photo / NZME
Local body election season has kicked off in Whanganui with a three-term district councillor announcing his run for the mayoralty.
Josh Chandulal-Mackay, first elected as a 21-year-old in 2016, said his campaign would be based on policies, values and what Whanganui could look like in 2050.
While he expected a “clean campaign”, there would be a clear contrast between himself and current mayor Andrew Tripe.
“Andrew acknowledges this himself - he likes to play in the middle in terms of issues,” Chandulal-Mackay said.
“I don’t think anybody out there will have any doubt about what I believe on controversial issues, whether it be Māori wards, climate change or the rate-setting process.”
Engaging with those “who completely disagree with you” was key.
“A lot of people on the left/progressive side of politics are actually really bad at this,” he said.
“Let’s sit down, have a chat, see if we can get some kind of alignment on the fundamentals of what we believe and build it from there.”
Chandulal-Mackay said his nine years of experience at the council would set him in good stead.
“I understand what the governance process looks like and how to bring people into the tent, if you like, and involve them in it.
“At the same time, I know the complexities of the system and that you can’t promise the world.
“You’re one mayor working alongside 12 elected members. You have to bring them on side.”
Some of his plans for the next term include pursuing a Whanganui to Christchurch airline route, preserving the Whanganui East Pool, a civic leadership programme for young people, a new “Invest for Whanganui” Fund, and a lower Victoria Ave and riverfront upgrade.
Chandulal-Mackay said he was not a fan of “flip-floppy politics” because it created confusion and was inefficient for the council.
“Officers have to go away and do a whole lot of reworking of previously agreed decisions.
“That’s a ratepayer resource that could have been used somewhere else.”
Josh Chandulal-Mackay in 2016, the year he became a Whanganui District councillor at the age of 21. Photo / NZME
Tripe said Chandulal-Mackay told him about his plans to run for mayor soon after the 2022 election.
“I welcome his candidacy and I encourage others to put their hat in the ring, both for the mayoralty and council seats,” Tripe said.
“It’s important we have a range of people putting their hands up, especially those passionate about their community.”
Chandulal-Mackay said he had worked well with Tripe, who is in his first term.
“Just because you’re on opposite sides of the political spectrum, or you’re competitors, or you back different candidates, that’s no reason to not work well together,” he said.
Originally, Chandulal-Mackay had been in favour of it.
“At the end of that process, I thought ‘Well, it’s a nice-to-have project and it would be good for economic development, but the public are not buying into it’,” he said.
“I’ve got a stake in what Whanganui looks like then, and for those that come after me.
“This is about a new generation of leadership.”
He said he was likely to also stand as a councillor in September’s election.
Mike Tweed is a multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle. Since starting in March 2020, he has dabbled in everything from sport to music. At present his focus is local government, primarily the Whanganui District Council.