Rotorua's incumbent mayor has officially put her hand up to contest the seat in the 2019 elections.
Steve Chadwick officially launched her campaign tonight among about 70 supporters who enjoyed drinks and canapés at Skyline before Chadwick announced her campaign theme - It's our time to shine.
Chadwick said the launch was all about saying thank you to those who had supported her and to raise money for the campaign.
"We do need to raise money in order to run a professional campaign and show I'm serious in my bid to become mayor.
"It's time to feel good about ourselves and showcase ourselves but also keep the foot on the pedal of progress."
Steve Chadwick said she was proud of what had been achieved since her election. Photo / Stephen Parker
Chadwick said she was proud of what had been achieved since her election in 2013.
She mentioned the council's partnership with Te Tatau o Te Arawa, the opening of Te Aka Mauri, the success of the police summer safety programme, and the development of the spatial plan among other things.
"If I was elected I would finish what we started. We'd complete the restoration of the museum, finish the Lakefront, finish the Whakarewarewa Forest development and the earthquake strengthening and restoration of the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre."
Chadwick said one focus of her next term, if elected, would be the people and the inner city.
"We reactivated the inner city, now we need to reinvent it."
The incumbent said she would announce further details of her campaign closer to the election. In the meantime she was continuing to work with existing councillors and shoulder tapping people who might be interested in running.
"Just as I was shoulder tapped, to say you'd be really good on council why don't you have a go?
"Making those big decisions is not about popularity, it's about having a plan and working with a great team around the council table."
Chadwick secured her win in 2016 with 8990 votes, Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers secretary Reynold Macpherson came in second with 6127 votes and councillor Rob Kent came in third with 3328.
In 2013 Chadwick dethroned then mayor Kevin Winters 10,999 votes to 4518 votes.
