New Mayors Unite for Community Focus in Canterbury Districts

The recent elections in Canterbury have ushered in a new era of leadership with the election of Lydia Gliddon as Mayor of Selwyn and Liz McMillan as Mayor of Ashburton. Both leaders secured their positions with substantial support from their communities, marking a significant shift in local governance.

Having first met in 2022 when Gliddon was a first-term councillor and McMillan was in her third term, the two mayors now find themselves navigating the complexities of their roles together. Their recent attendance at a mayors’ school in Wellington provided an opportunity to engage with both seasoned and novice mayors, an experience McMillan described as enlightening. She noted the value of connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of the role.

Gliddon expressed her appreciation for McMillan’s experience, stating, “She has been on council a lot longer than me. She’s just a good sort. Salt of the earth and levelheaded.” The mutual respect between the two mayors highlights the importance of collaboration and support in their new positions.

Both mayors emphasized the insights gained at the mayors’ school, particularly the realization that no one outside the role can fully comprehend the responsibilities involved. McMillan remarked, “People can imagine what it’s like but you don’t know until you sit in the big chair.” This shared understanding will likely prove beneficial as they face challenges together.

Their leadership was quickly put to the test upon returning from Wellington, as high winds prompted a state of emergency in Canterbury. Mark Mitchell, the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, declared the local emergency while the mayors were still awaiting their official swearing-in. McMillan noted the importance of disseminating information to the community during this time, highlighting their immediate responsibilities.

Both districts experienced minimal damage, with a few trees down and the Methven Water Treatment Plant going offline due to a suspected lightning strike. After their formal induction, Gliddon and McMillan are now focusing on their respective councils’ agendas.

Different Approaches to Governance

Gliddon’s approach involves intensive meetings and briefings for the first seven weeks of her term. With eight of the eleven elected members being first-term councillors, she aims to guide them through the initial phases of governance. “It was a taster. Now we’ll do deep dives in the departments to get a good understanding of what’s been happening,” she explained.

Her focus will also include developing the next annual plan before the Christmas break, ensuring that councillors have adequate time to absorb the information and prepare for budget discussions. Gliddon aims to deliver savings without necessitating costly amendments to long-term plans.

In contrast, McMillan’s council has a mix of experience, with four of the ten councillors being new. She plans to monitor the integration of new members, ensuring they receive the necessary information to contribute effectively. “I’ll be keeping an eye on the new councillors and making sure they are getting enough information,” she stated, acknowledging the extensive learning curve ahead.

As both mayors embark on their terms, their collaboration is expected to enhance the governance of their districts. The strong relationship they have forged may serve as a model for future cooperation among local leaders, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve in Canterbury.