Neil Volzke Secures Sixth Term as Stratford Mayor in Close Race

Stratford Mayor Neil Volzke has won re-election, securing his position for a sixth consecutive term in a tightly contested race. Preliminary results indicate that Volzke garnered just 219 votes more than his closest rival, Jono Erwood. This victory positions Volzke to potentially become the longest-serving current mayor in New Zealand, depending on the final vote count involving Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy.

As the results were released, Volzke expressed relief and enthusiasm for the challenges ahead. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of the next three years; it will be a testing time for councils,” he stated. With the new council expected to include four or five newly elected members, Volzke acknowledged the steep learning curves they would face.

Election Details and Council Composition

Preliminary results showed that newcomer Josh Best finished third in the urban ward, while Jaimie Bertie came in sixth. In the Māori ward, candidates David Chadwick and Karley Hemopo received 47 and 42 votes respectively, while incumbent Hemi Haddon received 34 votes. Katherine Sextus was elected unopposed to the rural ward.

Volzke noted a significant outcome concerning the Māori Ward, which the district rejected retaining beyond 2028. “I personally supported it, but from the feedback I had during the campaign, the split was as I had anticipated,” he remarked. He emphasized the need for ongoing engagement with Māori communities to ensure their voices are heard in local governance.

Future Challenges for Stratford’s New Council

Looking ahead, Volzke highlighted the establishment of a new business unit for Local Water Done Well as a critical task for the new council. He also addressed community concerns regarding the rising cost of living, stating, “We have to do everything we can to make sure our rates increases are on the lower end and people are not put into hardship simply because of rates increases.”

Erwood, who did not win the mayoralty but topped the vote for councillors, acknowledged the outcome and expressed satisfaction with his vote count. “It is what it is,” he said, adding that it was encouraging to see community support. The new council is set to convene for its first meeting in early November 2023, where they will begin addressing the pressing issues facing Stratford.

As Stratford moves forward, the new council will face a blend of challenges and opportunities, and how they navigate these will be closely watched by the local community.