WORD ON THE STREET IN KAIKOHE

The election of 31-year-old Kaikohe teacher Moko Tepania to the Far North’s top job has brought pride and optimism to his home town.

Tracey Albert, Ohaeawai ¯

“It’s awesome to see a bit of Mā ori in there. He’ll see both sides of the story, he’ll bring a positive vibe, and bring the community, young and old, together. As a man for the young ones to look up to, I hope he’ll bring more respect for the elderly too.”

Ram Podal, Kaikohe

“He’s a teacher, an educated person, so I’m hoping we will bring change to our community. He’s local, he’s young, he’s approachable, he will bring innovation and energy. We need to redirect our youth into the right direction. Being a local he knows our immediate needs. He can uplift our community because he is from here.”

NZME took a walk down Broadway, the main street, to ask locals their views about the district’s history-making mayor.

Annie Hilton, Kaikohe

“I’m super-proud of him becoming mayor and I’ll support him in any way I can. He’s a genuinely lovely young man with a heart for the community and the Far North. I think he’ll bring fresh eyes to the role and hopefully bring some change.”

Maryn Ashby, Ohaeawai ¯

“I’m all for diversity — you can’t be what you can’t see — and for him to be local and Mā ori is really breaking barriers. He’s opened the door to Mā ori and young people. Local government is such a white boys’ business club, but he’s broken the mould. He’s definitely engaged a lot more Mā ori and got them voting. ”