End of an era in West Coast mayoral chase
It’s the end of an era – after 15 years the Grey District will have a new mayor. Four candidates have put in nominations to replace longstanding mayor Tony Kokshoorn.
Kokshoorn has held the role since his landslide win against incumbent Kevin Brown in 2004, and has been elected unopposed four times.
Grey district councillor Tania Gibson was the first to put her hand up for the position.
She will run against long-term councillor and Runanga businessman Cliff Sandrey, West Coast Regional Council chairman Andrew Robb, and Richard Osmaston, a former Nelson candidate who campaigns against the use of money.
Buller mayor Garry Howard is also standing down. Five candidates will compete for the position: current councillor and Westport dairy farmer Jamie Cleine, former longserving mayor Pat O’Dea, Westport photographer Charlie Bruning, rap artist Aaron Intemann, and lawyer Doug Taffs.
Taffs made headlines in 2013 when he was suspended from law practice for three months for trying to outwit a breath alcohol test by stuffing coins in his mouth two years earlier. He pleaded guilty to charges of driving with excess breath alcohol, failing to remain for an evidential breath test and obstructing police.
In Westland, incumbent mayor Bruce Smith is seeking a second term. He is going up against two sitting councillors: Gray Eatwell and deputy mayor Latham Martin. Also in the running are Ryan Kennedy, from Okarito, and Hokitika joiner John Mitchell.