RICKY WILSON/STUFF
Marlborough Sounds councilor and deputy mayor Nadine Taylor has put forward her nomination for mayor in this year’s local elections.
Marlborough Mayor John Leggett has confirmed that he will not be seeking a third term in the upcoming local elections, but has instead nominated Deputy Mayor Nadine Taylor.
In a statement Monday, Leggett said he places his “full support” behind Taylor and was “delighted” to have nominated her.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving my community through my time on the council over the past 12 years and strengthening the congregation’s commitment to the community,” Leggett said.
“My partner Anne has been incredibly supportive and recognizes the privilege of representing our community with me.”
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Leggett, who served two terms as mayor, said he was proud to have led a close-knit team of councilors with “balanced discussion and open debate in [the] council chambers”.
“We have faced a number of challenges over the past six years that have added a layer to the day-to-day running of the municipality, including the earthquake in Kaikōura just after the 2016 elections, flooding, closed borders in 2020 and the occupation. of municipal reserves. by protesters,” he said.
BRYA INGRAM/STUFF
Marlborough Mayor John Leggett, pictured at the Stop 3 Waters, New Zealand Taxpayers Union roadshow in June, will not be looking for a third term.
“We have responded everywhere with clear planning and direction. I am proud to have played my part.”
He said the central government has a number of reforms underway that will directly affect the future of local government, most notably Three Waters and resource management.
“We have been actively involved in this process and I will continue to advocate for the best possible outcome for Marlborough,” he said.
“The role of mayor is time consuming and I look forward to spending more time with Anne and our family. My children all currently live in the Northern Hemisphere and we look forward to visiting them.”
But Leggett said his work was not done and he would continue to focus his energies on serving the region for the remainder of this term.
“My announcement is easier knowing that Nadine is running for mayor,” he said.
“She has excelled as Deputy Mayor and as Chair of the Assets and Services Committee – both exceptionally demanding roles – and I have every confidence in her ability to lead Marlborough as the region’s next Mayor.”
Taylor said she was delighted to announce her campaign.
“As our community continues to recover from the economic and social impacts of Covid-19, and now faces increased costs of living and ongoing impacts of climate change, it is more important than ever to have consistent, considered and experienced leadership to move the region forward. to assist. forward,” she said.
She said her “experience” as deputy mayor and chair of the Assets and Services Commission had been extremely rewarding, and she’d enjoyed working with Mayor Leggett in recent times leading a cohesive team of councilors.
“I am excited about the opportunity to champion our region as the next mayor with pride, positivity and vision, and continue to lead our region as it evolves into the future,” she said.
“With ongoing projects including the Picton Ferry District, the rebuilding of major schools, the new Blenheim Library and Gallery, and significant environmental care and repair work, we have some hugely positive developments to look forward to.”
She said there are some “major problems” in the region that need to be addressed.
Revitalizing the Blenheim and Picton CBDs, stepping up our regional response to climate change, strengthening the resilience of our core industries and social infrastructure, and protecting Marlborough’s interests in the face of central government reform are only a few,” she said.
“As mayor, I will work hard for Marlborough. With my proven governance and leadership experience, I look forward to leading a team of councilors who will tackle the problems and seize the opportunities, prioritizing Marlborough’s future environmental, social and economic success .”