One of the important points raised with me by Dargaville and Wairoa Ward ratepayers is that if possible they want trusted western leadership at the Council table.

Whilst skills and experience may be considered more important than location, when all of these attributes are available in one person then that is a bonus. Councillor Gordon Lambeth is such a person.

On that basis I have made the guarantee upfront before the election. If I am elected as Mayor, and Councillor Lambeth is re-elected, I will be appointing him as the Deputy Mayor.

Kaipara needs leadership that brings people together. Gordon and I come from different parts of the district but share the same vision. We’ve already proven we work well together. This partnership will give Kaipara a strong, united and experienced leadership.

I see this as a key move in my drive to unite the district.