Kia Ora,

It is a huge honour to have been elected as Mayor of the Tararua District. Your trust means a great deal, and I will not take it for granted.

Firstly, I want to acknowledge Tracey Collis for her 12 years of tireless service. She leaves with our gratitude and respect for her significant contribution to our district. I also want to thank our outgoing councillors for their commitment to our communities.

It’s been a busy time since provisional results came in. You have elected a strong team of councillors and community board members who are eager to get to work for you.

As your new council begins its work, I encourage everyone in our community to stay engaged and involved. Local government works best when people share their ideas, ask questions, and take part in shaping the decisions that affect them. Whether it’s through consultation processes, community meetings, or simply talking with your councillors, your input helps ensure we’re making choices that reflect the needs and aspirations of our district.

There has been a lot of work happening in the background, planning, and preparing so your new council can hit the ground running. The new council will be sworn in on 30 October at 7pm at the Town Hall in Dannevirke.

Along with inductions and finalising our governance structures, one of our first and most important tasks will be selecting a new Chief Executive. This decision will have a lasting influence on how our council operates and the kind of culture we build together.
We have heard clearly from our community that affordability must be a top priority. The cost pressures people are facing are very real, and council must respond by being smarter, more efficient, and focused on what matters most. That means looking carefully at how we deliver our services and ensuring we are getting the best value for ratepayers.

At the same time, there are many opportunities ahead. We can strengthen our towns and rural communities, attract investment, and make the most of our potential. The Tararua District is a wonderful place to live, and our people are practical, resilient, and community minded. That spirit is our greatest strength, and it gives me real confidence in our future.

Together, let’s make the most of this moment to build a council that listens well, works efficiently, and helps our district grow with confidence.

Thank you again for your trust and support. I look forward to working alongside and serving you all.

Ngā mihi nui, many thanks,
Scott Gilmore - Mayor