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Mayors each lead a territorial authority (pictured)

Mayors in New Zealand are the directly elected leaders of New Zealand's territorial authorities. They chair local council meetings and have limited executive powers, including the ability to appoint a deputy mayor, establish committees, and select chairpersons for said committees. Their constitutional role, as laid out in the Local Government Act 2002, is to provide leadership to their councillors and citizens of their districts, and to guide the direction of council plans and policies. Mayors are elected using either the first-past-the-post or single transferable vote system.

There are currently 67 mayors, and they are formally styled His/Her Worship.

History

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Main article: Local government in New Zealand § History

19th century

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Attempts to set up local government following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 were complicated by the small and spread out population of European settlers in New Zealand.[1] Wellington had established and elected a municipal corporation in 1842, but the Colonial Office disestablished it. The New Zealand Constitution Act 1846 enabled municipal bodies to be created, though this legislation was suspended from 1848 for five years. Provincial legislative councils were set up based on the proposed provinces in the 1846 Act, though with both elected and unelected appointments they were seen as unsatisfactory towards the goal of self-rule.[2]

Governor George Grey tried another attempt at local government in 1851; a Charter of Incorporation for Auckland which would be the first elected local body in the colony. It failed after less than a year.[3] Archibald Clark served as the first mayor of Auckland for this brief period.[4]

A second constitution act in 1852 established six provinces with powers over areas such as education, immigration, and tariffs. It was thought that these would suffice for local representation but municipal governments were created anyway in Auckland, Dunedin, and Christchurch.[3] William Mason served as Dunedin's first mayor from 1865,[5] whilst John Hall served as the first chairman of Christchurch Town Council from 1862.[6] The powers of these authorities was legislated in 1867 with the Municipal Corporations Act, establishing responsibility over gasworks, libraries, and other public utilities.[3] Suffrage for these bodies was limited to individual male property owners, which disenfranchised Māori as collective ownership was more common amongst them.[3]

Provinces were abolished in 1876 and their powers were mostly transferred to central government. Municipal and local governments did see their powers expanded, with power to levy rates, manage local infrastructure such as roads, and manage local utilities like museums and libraries. Further expansion in powers occurred with the Municipal Corporations Act 1876.[7]

20th century

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An explosion in the number of local bodies had occurred to the point that by 1920 there were 625[8] different authorities across the country. The Town Planning Act 1926 started a period of serious attempts at reforming local government. The act required the drafting of town planning schemes by boroughs with over 1000 people by 1 January 1930. The Great Depression hindered efforts though, with the requirement going unenforced.[8]

The First Labour Government tried again to reform local government in 1936, but the bill got neglected as the Second World War dominated the agenda. The bill was picked up again in 1944, and in 1946 the Local Government Commission was set up. Its goal was to develop plans for the reorganisation of local authorities. The incoming First National Government in 1949 weakened the ability of the commission to enforce its plans.[9]

669 local authorities existed in 1973, and the newly elected Third Labour Government set forth on reform, headed by Minister of Local Government Henry May. The powers of the Local Government Commission were increased and poll requirements to reject amalgamation plans were increased. 22 regional governments were set up, with elected bodies in Wellington and Auckland and appointed bodies elsewhere. The subsequent Third National Government again lessened the powers of the commission.[10]

1989 reforms

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Main article: 1989 New Zealand local government reforms

By 1987 hundreds of special purpose bodies and dozens of local and municipal authorities were in existence.[11] The Fourth Labour Government initiated a major review, looking to change the structure of local government in the country in time for the 1989 local elections. An amendment to the Local Government Act 1974 was passed in 1989, establishing a new structure and constitutional arrangement for local government.[12] Important developments included mandatory annual reports to be published publicly. A key factor of the reforms was ensuring public accountability in the new amalgamated authorities.[13]

Powers and responsibilities

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Currently, all of New Zealand's territorial authorities are headed by a directly-elected mayor. This set up goes back to the 1989 local government reforms.[14] Prior to 1989, there were 850 authorities at various levels with varying powers and responsibilities. Now there are 78 bodies, 67 excluding regional councils (which do not have mayors).[15]

When the councils surrounding Auckland were merged in 2010, a more defined set of powers for mayors in all parts of the country was implemented into the existing Local Government Act 2002.[16] Mayors now could appoint deputy mayors, as well as designate which councillors would chair and lead the various committees that ran the business of council. These new powers did raise concern though, with no mayoral veto, councils where the mayor lacked majority support could crawl to a halt as councillors pushed against the agenda of the mayor. Such dysfunctionality has reportedly occurred in several councils, including recently in Wellington and Tauranga.[17] These changes were not seen to effect the way mayors operated in actual practice.[18]

Mayors in New Zealand are considered weak in terms of the level of executive power they can wield, as granted to them via legislation. Councils are empowered to endeavour to achieve the "four well-beings", specifically the social, environmental, cultural, and economic health of their communities. This has been described as the "power of general competence."[19] In general, council responsibilities include local roads, water management, waste management, public services such as libraries, and district parks.[20]

Mayors report that they utilise de facto powers to achieve their goals as leaders, including their ability to build relationships with their communities, other councillors, mana whenua, and central government. Achieving consensus is key to the ability of a mayor to govern.[14] The relationship between a mayor and a council's chief executive officer was reported by mayors as important in shaping and delivering policy.[21] Mayors who worked closely with their councillors, those that built personal relationships and trust, were more successful at seeing their policies and goals to fruition than those that took a more hard line, less co-operative approach. Councillors regarded informal conversations and meeting opportunities with the mayor as important.[18]

Local authorities are granted "unusually" high levels of financial autonomy;[19] councils are limited in their means of raising revenue, something at least one mayor pointed to as a concern as it can limit their ability to achieve policy goals.[22] Unlike local bodies in other countries, the central government provides a minute fraction of a council's income, with upwards of 80% coming from rates.[19]

Councillors and mayors in New Zealand are not usually affiliated with political parties,[23] leading to challenges with reaching consensus amongst people elected on individual-mandates. The intrusion of party politics into local government is commonly seen as distasteful, though there has been a rise of affiliated candidates in Auckland and Christchurch since 2007.[24] A balance must be navigated between the mandate given to the mayor from the public and the political reality of working with a team of disparate people.[21]

Explicit corruption at the local level has not been seen to be a major issue, though the absence of a party structure has been seen as something that could lead to a greater risk of clientelism, with members potentially showing favour to supporters and disfavour to opponents. In a survey, 22% of councillors perceived mayors as using appointments in this way, whereas 17% of mayors said they did so.[22]

It is common for former members of parliament running in local elections to run as independents, despite having been an elected member of a political party and retaining their party membership, leading to concerns over a lack of transparency and credibility.[25]

Mayors face uncertainty in what their role can look like, in part due to central government involvement. Central government has appointed commissioners and other oversight mechanisms in the past when, in their view, a council was not functioning. This ability for central government to be involved has been linked to lessened interest amongst the general populace with local governance.[22]

Mayors are expected to follow a code of conduct.[22]

Legislation

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The principal legislation outlining the formal and constitutional powers and responsibilities of the mayor is the Local Government Act 2002, specifically section 41A.[21]

The mayor is to provide leadership to the councillors and people of the district,[26] and to lead the development of the council's plans and policies.[27] The explicit powers granted to the mayor are the ability to appoint a deputy mayor, the ability to establish council committees and appoint chairpersons to said committees.[28] These powers are limited by councillors' explicit ability to remove the deputy mayor, and to discharge and/or create committees, as well as remove any chairpersons appointed by the mayor.[29] The mayor is an ex officio member of all committees.[30] The mayor cannot delegate any of their powers.[31] If a mayor declines to use their powers to appoint a deputy or a chairperson, the provisions for their election are outlined in clause 17(1) of Schedule 7 and clauses 25 and 26(3) of Schedule 7, respectively.[32]

Electoral system

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Local government elections are held every three years. All mayors are currently elected at-large.[19] News coverage of local elections tends to focus on the mayoral race, with higher profile elections and candidates for the mayoralty leading to higher turnout overall.[15] The majority of elections since 1989 have been via postal voting.[33]

Two electoral systems are used at the local level within New Zealand, first-past-the-post (FPP) and single transferable vote (STV).[23] In FPP, voters pick one candidate and the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they have not achieved a majority. In STV, voters rank the candidates and then preferences are tallied. The candidate with the least votes is eliminated and their second preferences are divvied out. This continues until one candidate has a majority. Currently most local councils use FPP.[25] Councils themselves can decide what system they will use at the next election.[34] On average, elections with STV systems saw one additional candidate. Incumbent mayors are more likely to be defeated under STV. Māori candidates for local government positions who were on the Māori electoral roll were less successful than Māori and non-Māori on the general roll, whilst female candidates were more successful than male candidates. Women were under-nominated compared to men for local office relative to their population.[35]

Candidates for mayor must meet the criteria that are required to be met by all local government candidates. These include being a citizen of New Zealand, securing the nominations of two people on the electoral roll within the area, and paying a deposit of $200.[36]

Participation in local government elections has decreased over the past decade, with fewer people voting in subsequent elections. This has led to concerns around the extant to which democracy exists at the local level.[19] The numerous examples of uncontested mayoral elections is seen as a symptom and cause of lowered turnout.[37] There is the perception that local government serves ratepayers, the property owning class.[15]

The most recent elections were held in 2022.[38] Tauranga had a mayoral election in 2024 following a period under commission.[39]

Demographics

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There are currently 67 mayors.[14] Mayors (and councillors generally) are disproportionally Pākehā and male. The Human Rights Commission has called the under-representation of Māori in local government "one of the top ten race relations challenges" in the country.[20]

List of current mayors

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Territorial Authority Mayor Affiliation Elected Pop. 2023[40]
Far North District Moko Tepania None 2022 71,430
Whangarei District Vince Cocurullo None 2022 96,678
Kaipara District Craig Jepson None 2022 25,899
Auckland Wayne Brown Fix Auckland 2022 1,656,486
Thames-Coromandel District Len Salt None 2022 31,995
Hauraki District Toby Adams None 2019 21,318
Waikato District Jacqui Church Independent 2022 85,968
Matamata-Piako District Adrienne Wilcock None 2022 37,098
Hamilton City Paula Southgate None 2019 174,741
Waipā District Susan O'Regan None 2022 58,686
Ōtorohanga District Max Baxter None 2013 10,410
South Waikato District Gary Petley None 2022 25,044
Waitomo District John Robertson Independent 2019 9,585
Taupō District David Trewavas None 2013 40,296
Western Bay of Plenty District James Denyer None 2022 56,184
Tauranga City Mahé Drysdale Strong Accountable Leadership 2024 152,844
Rotorua District Tania Tapsell None 2022 74,058
Whakatāne District Victor Luca None 2022 37,149
Kawerau District Faylene Tunui None 2022 7,539
Ōpōtiki District David Moore None 2022 10,089
Gisborne District Rehette Stoltz None 2019 51,135
Wairoa District Craig Little None 2013 8,826
Hastings District Sandra Hazlehurst None 2017 85,965
Napier City Kirsten Wise Independent 2019 64,695
Central Hawke's Bay District Alex Walker None 2016 15,480
New Plymouth District Neil Holdom None 2016 87,000
Stratford District Neil Volzke None 2009 10,149
South Taranaki District Phil Nixon None 2019 29,025
Ruapehu District Weston Kirton None 2022 13,095
Whanganui District Andrew Tripe None 2022 47,619
Rangitikei District Andy Watson Independent 2013 15,663
Manawatū District Helen Worboys None 2016 32,415
Palmerston North City Grant Smith Independent 2015 87,090
Tararua District Tracey Collis Tararua Stronger Together 2016 18,660
Horowhenua District Bernie Wanden None 2019 36,693
Kāpiti Coast District Janet Holborow None 2022 55,914
Porirua City Anita Baker Independent 2019 59,445
Upper Hutt City Wayne Guppy None 2001 45,759
Hutt City (Lower Hutt) Campbell Barry Labour 2019 107,562
Wellington City Tory Whanau Independent (Green endorsed) 2022 202,689
Masterton District Gary Caffell Masterton Matters 2022 27,678
Carterton District Ron Mark Independent 2022 10,107
South Wairarapa District Martin Connelly None 2022 11,811
Tasman District Tim King None 2019 57,807
Nelson City Nick Smith Independent 2022 52,584
Marlborough District Nadine Taylor None 2022 49,431
Buller District Jamie Cleine None 2019 4,215
Grey District Tania Gibson None 2019 10,446
Westland District Helen Lash None 2022 14,043
Kaikōura District Craig Mackle None 2019 8,901
Hurunui District Marie Black None 2019 13,608
Waimakariri District Dan Gordon None 2019 66,246
Christchurch City Phil Mauger Let's Get Stuff Done 2022 391,383
Selwyn District Sam Broughton None 2016 78,144
Ashburton District Neil Brown None 2019 34,746
Timaru District Nigel Bowen None 2019 47,547
Mackenzie District Anne Munro None 2022 5,115
Waimate District Craig Rowley None 2013 8,121
Chatham Islands Monique Croon None 2019 612
Waitaki District Gary Kircher Working For Waitaki 2013 23,472
Central Otago District Tamah Alley None 2016 24,306
Queenstown-Lakes District Glyn Lewers None 2022 47,808
Dunedin City Jules Radich Team Dunedin 2022 128,901
Clutha District Bryan Cadogan None 2010 18,315
Southland District Rob Scott None 2022 31,833
Gore District Ben Bell Team Hokonui 2022 12,711
Invercargill City Nobby Clark LETS GO Invercargill 2022 55,599

Notable mayors

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Beyer with the Governor-General, Patsy Reddy, in 2020.

Georgina Beyer

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Beyer (1957–2023) was the world's first openly transgender mayor.[41] First elected to the Carterton District Council in 1993, she went on to win the mayoral elections of 1995 and 1998. She was later the Labour MP for Wairarapa from 1999 to 2005, and then a List MP until she retired in 2007.[41]

Charles Mackay

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Mackay (1875–1929) was mayor of Whanganui and a convicted attempted-murderer. In 1920, Mackay shot Walter D'Arcy Cresswell, after Cresswell allegedly threatened to out Mackay as a homosexual following alleged advances by Mackay towards Cresswell.[42]

Percy Murphy

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Murphy (1924–2009) was the country's first Māori mayor. His iwi was Ngāti Manawa and he was their last member to serve as a soldier in the 28th Māori Battalion, having enlisted at the age of 16. He served on the Murupara Borough Council and then was the mayor of Murupara from 1960 to 1969. He was very involved with his iwi and his marae after being mayor.[43]

Tim Shadbolt

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Shadbolt (b. 1947) is the country's longest-serving mayor and a national icon. He served for eight terms as mayor of Invercargill, almost continuously since first being elected in 1993.[44] He was also previously mayor of Waitemata.[45] He failed to win re-election in 2022.[44]

Elizabeth Yates

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Yates (1840–1918) was the first female mayor in the British Empire. After her husband stood down as mayor of Onehunga, she was nominated for the office and then stood in and won the 1893 mayoral election against only one other opponent. She received congratulations from Premier Richard Seddon and Queen Victoria. She lost the subsequent 1894 election, serving less than a year.[46]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Drage 2002, p. 118.
  2. ^ Drage 2002, p. 119.
  3. ^ a b c d Drage 2002, p. 120.
  4. ^ The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]. The Cyclopedia Company (republished by Victoria University of Wellington). p. 103.
  5. ^ Stacpoole, John (1990). "Mason, William". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  6. ^ Gardner, W. J. (1990). "Hall, John". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  7. ^ Drage 2002, p. 121.
  8. ^ a b Drage 2002, p. 123.
  9. ^ Drage 2002, p. 124.
  10. ^ Drage 2002, p. 125.
  11. ^ Drage 2002, p. 127.
  12. ^ Drage 2002, p. 130.
  13. ^ Drage 2002, p. 131.
  14. ^ a b c Mahoney 2021, p. 80.
  15. ^ a b c Asquith, Webster & Cardow 2021, p. 83.
  16. ^ Mahoney 2021, p. 80–81.
  17. ^ Mahoney 2021, p. 81.
  18. ^ a b Mahoney 2021, p. 84.
  19. ^ a b c d e Asquith, Webster & Cardow 2021, p. 80.
  20. ^ a b Vowles & Hayward 2021, p. 231.
  21. ^ a b c Mahoney 2021, p. 82.
  22. ^ a b c d Mahoney 2021, p. 83.
  23. ^ a b Vowles & Hayward 2021, p. 226.
  24. ^ Asquith, Webster & Cardow 2021, p. 84.
  25. ^ a b Asquith, Webster & Cardow 2021, p. 88.
  26. ^ Local Government Act 2002, s 41A(1).
  27. ^ Local Government Act 2002, s 41A(2)
  28. ^ Local Government Act 2022, s 41A(3)
  29. ^ Local Government Act 2002, s 41A(4)
  30. ^ Local Government Act 2002, s 41A(5)
  31. ^ Local Government Act 2002, s 41A(6)
  32. ^ Local Government Act 2002, s 41A(7)
  33. ^ Asquith, Webster & Cardow 2021, p. 85.
  34. ^ Vowles & Hayward 2021, p. 230.
  35. ^ Vowles & Hayward 2021, p. 234–235.
  36. ^ Asquith, Webster & Cardow 2021, p. 89.
  37. ^ Asquith, Webster & Cardow 2021, p. 87.
  38. ^ "Key dates". Vote 2022 – Local Elections. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  39. ^ Kirkby-McLeod, Libby (20 July 2024). "Tauranga by-election results: Olympian Mahé Drysdale set to become mayor". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  40. ^ "2023 Census population counts (by ethnic group, age, and Māori descent) and dwelling counts". StatsNZ. 29 May 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  41. ^ a b "World's first openly transgender mayor and MP, Georgina Beyer, has died". Radio New Zealand. 6 March 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  42. ^ Broughton, W. S. (1996). "Mackay, Charles Ewing". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  43. ^ NZPA (5 May 2009). "NZ's first Maori mayor dies". NZHerald. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  44. ^ a b Sowman-Lund, Stewart (30 November 2023). "Invercargill Airport to be renamed for Tim Shadbolt". The Spinoff. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  45. ^ "'End of an era': Sir Tim Shadbolt farewelled in his most likely last meeting as Invercargill mayor". Stuff. 28 September 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  46. ^ Mogford, Janice C. (1993). "Yates, Elizabeth". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 11 August 2024.

Sources

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