Incoming Tauranga mayor Mahé Drysdale says he wants voters to judge him based on whether they feel their city has become more vibrant in four years' time.
The by-election winner spoke to Q+A this morning after he attained around a 5000-vote lead over his nearest contender.
Progress results from the first local elections held in Tauranga in five years were released yesterday afternoon, indicating a turnout of around 31%. Based on 82% of the votes, Drysdale had 13,419 votes, Greg Brownless 8577, Tina Salisbury 7145 and Ria Hall 5740.
It's a high-stakes election for Tauranga as the council returns to democracy — with a four-year term in place for the successful candidates, instead of the usual three.
Q+A's Whena Owen speaks to candidates vying to be the city's next leader. (Source: 1News)
Speaking to Local Democracy Reporting, the two-time Olympic gold medallist said yesterday he was "excited and daunted" about leading New Zealand’s fifth-largest city.
He told Q+A this morning that his priority was on building a strong team around the council.
Additionally, the incoming mayor said he wanted voters to judge his leadership based on whether Tauranga had improved for people in their "everyday lives" four years from now.
"If a city is in better shape than it is right now, then, as a team, we've succeeded.
"That everyone in their everyday lives thinks: 'This city is much more vibrant, it's coming to life'. And starting to deliver on the potential, because this is a great city, and I want to make it the best city in New Zealand," the new mayor said.
Tolley was appointed as a commissioner for the dysfunctional council in 2021. (Source: 1News)
On low turnout, Drysdale said it was a "poor" showing and that there was more to do.
"We can start communicating to the community, start engaging with them, so they actually take an interest in what happens in their city. That's really the challenge for us over the next four years — to try to get people engaged so they do get out and vote."
Watch the full interview in the video above
Q+A with Jack Tame is made with the support of New Zealand On Air
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