Amanda Harris Steps Up as Stratford’s New Deputy Mayor

Amanda Harris has been appointed as the new deputy mayor of Stratford, marking a significant step in her commitment to representing the rural community of East Taranaki. Harris, a third-term councillor and sheep and beef farmer, travels 50 kilometres from the remote area of Whangamōmona to attend council meetings, underscoring her dedication to ensuring that rural voices are heard.

In her new role, Harris aims to bring a fresh perspective to local governance. “Whenever a community is quite far away from a centre, they move mountains to engage just like those who live closer,” she stated. “They just need to know that there’s support there when they need it.” Her appointment follows the swearing-in of Stratford councillors on October 10, 2023.

Harris expressed her excitement about the position, describing it as “an absolute honour.” At 37 years old, she is keen to leverage her role to keep the community’s needs at the forefront of local decision-making. “I have unfinished business and want to implement what I have learned in my previous two terms,” she said.

Community Focus and Future Goals

Having been re-elected unopposed, Harris emphasized the importance of adapting to changes in local government, particularly surrounding water management, which remains a priority for the council. She highlighted the council’s strong composition, noting the blend of experienced councillors and four new members as a strategy for future-proofing local governance.

“It’s really good to see 12 candidates in the urban ward, indicating a strong interest in local governance,” she remarked, indicating a healthy democratic process. However, she expressed disappointment regarding the district’s recent decision to remove Māori wards next term. “It was good to include that level of diversity around the table,” she added, reflecting on the potential benefits of diverse representation.

Mayor Neil Volzke commended Harris’s appointment, stating on his Facebook page that she enhances the leadership team with her unique perspective. “She provides a gender balance and connects with a different demographic than I do,” he noted. Volzke emphasized that Harris’s appointment received full endorsement from fellow elected members, which bodes well for collaboration during this term.

Harris’s journey from a trained hairdresser in Hawke’s Bay to a key political figure in Taranaki demonstrates her commitment to public service. As she steps into her role, her focus remains on advocating for the resilient rural community and ensuring their voices are adequately represented in local governance.