Bernie does it again

Bernie does it again

Horowhenua has given Bernie Wanden a massive vote of confidence to continue his leadership of the district with his election as mayor for a third successive term.

Familiarity can often lead to a vote for the sake of change and although the vote count is still preliminary, as of press time his 8773 votes is a 75.9% majority.

“It’s wonderful to receive an endorsement like that and I’m humbled and grateful to receive a mandate by the community to continue,” he says.

“It is a privilege to serve your community. You never anything for granted in this role and do your best to satisfy the faith and trust of the community.”

He says a key reason for standing again was to offer continuity and stability.

“There are many challenges ahead of us and this a vote of confidence, not in me as much as it is a signal that the district is heading in the right direction,” he says. “Almost every councillor that sought re-election was re-elected, which means we can approach with the confidence we have the backing of the community to continue. And we need that continuity. To change now would have been a retrograde step.”

Mayor Bernie, 70, served a term as councillor before ousting Michael Feyen in 2019, and he’s worn the chains ever since.

Before Horowhenua District Council was formed in 1989, just three mayors had held office for three terms: Phillip Goldsmith (1932-1941), Ernie Wise (1956-1965) and Laurie Roberts (1971-1980). Since the 1989 reforms two mayors have served at least three terms: Tom Robinson(1995-2004), and Brendan Duffy, who has the distinction of being the longest-serving mayor (2004-2016).

Mayor Bernie thanked his wife Sharon and his family for what he says is a shared sacrifice. Without their support he wouldn’t be able to commit to the job and do it justice.

“It was lovely to share with them the result and to reflect, for me personally, what that support means,” he says.

He also thanked the staff at his business, Paper Plus ,for holding the fort, as being mayor was a fulltime role.

“I can’t speak highly enough of them,” he says.

Bernie has rung and congratulated those elected, although will pause on naming a deputy and the various committee roles until he has spoken to each of them at length about their strengths and aspirations.

Meanwhile, his only opponent, Justin Tamihana, says he is philosophical about the preliminary results given he purposely chose not to stand in the Māori electorate this time, but instead stand for both the mayoralty and for Kere Kere Ward in Foxton. By not being elected in the hotly contested ward means he could be gone altogether once results are made official.

“I’ve got no regrets. I’m more than happy with the decision I made to try and bring more Māori to the table. I’m proud of what I was able to achieve and bring more Māori awareness. It’s so important and benefits us all.”

Justin says he has more to offer the district and will consider standing again at the next election.

There was always going to be new blood at the table as Ross Brannigan, Jonathan Procter and Rogan Boyle had not sought re-election.

There was to be a pōwhiri today (Friday) to welcome the new council, with an official swearing of an oath to serve on October 29. Overall, the preliminary result could be viewed as a vote of confidence in the direction of council as every sitting councillor seeking re-election, with the exception of Justin, is holding their seat.

The preliminary results are showing Foxton Community Board has new blood in the form of Judy Sanson, Irene Wakefield, Ross Brannigan and Jason Davy, who will join long-serving member David Roache.