Wairoa mayor ponders a fourth tilt at the top job
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little could yet stand for a fourth term in this year’s local body elections, turning his back on an original intention to do no more than three terms in the job – a nine-year cycle since he was first elected in 2013.
Previously reported to be sticking to the plan with the intention of standing-down this year, he says he’s being encouraged by councillors and others in Wairoa to seek a fourth term.
He hopes to speak with councillors soon, including deputy mayor Hine Flood and former deputy and six-term councillor Denise Eaglesome-Karekare.
“Things seem to be working well, we get on well together and there are a lot of things happening, like Three Waters, local government reform, resource management act reform, and the community partnership group is going well,” Little said.
But the farmer from Ohuka, with a 40km drive each way to town for what has become much a full-time job, says he has to consider family in the decision, including his children who had spent nine years growing up while their
father had been carrying out his mayoral duties.
Nominations for members of city councils, district councils and regional councils open on July 15, but Little, like others, will have until the closing date of August 12 to make the decision.
New Zealand’s local body elections will be by postal vote, closing on October 8.