Neil Volzke Secures Sixth Term as Stratford Mayor in Close Race

Neil Volzke has been elected as the mayor of Stratford for a sixth consecutive term, narrowly defeating his opponent Jono Erwood by just 219 votes. This victory positions Volzke to potentially become the longest-serving current mayor in New Zealand, depending on the final vote count for Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy, who was seeking a ninth term.

Preliminary results indicate that Volzke received a significant show of support from the community. In a statement following the election, he expressed satisfaction with the outcome and relief that the intense campaigning had concluded. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of the next three years. It will be a testing time for councils,” Volzke said.

New Council Dynamics and Challenges Ahead

The newly elected council is expected to include four or five new members, whose integration will provide both opportunities and challenges. Volzke is optimistic that the incoming councillors will rise to the occasion. “I’m sure they’ll be up for it,” he remarked.

Among the notable results in the council election, newcomer Josh Best secured third place in the urban ward, while Jaimie Bertie finished sixth. In the Māori ward, candidates David Chadwick, Karley Hemopo, and incumbent Hemi Haddon garnered 47, 42, and 34 votes, respectively. Katherine Sextus was elected unopposed to represent the rural ward.

A significant point of discussion in the election was the community’s decision to reject the retention of the Māori Ward after 2028. Volzke acknowledged the outcome, stating, “I personally supported it, but from the feedback I’d had during the campaign, the split was as I had anticipated.” He emphasized the importance of engaging with Māori constituents in the coming years to ensure their perspectives are included in local governance.

Future Priorities and Community Needs

Looking ahead, Volzke highlighted the establishment of a new business unit for Local Water Done Well as a major task for the council. He also emphasized the need to manage rates increases carefully, given the rising cost of living that residents are currently facing. “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,” he stated.

Jono Erwood, who finished second in the mayoral race but topped the councillor votes, expressed contentment with his performance. “It is what it is,” he said regarding the election outcome. He noted that while he did not expect the special vote count, due to be released on November 3, 2023, to alter the results significantly, he was pleased to have received substantial support from the electorate.

As Stratford prepares for a new chapter under Volzke’s leadership, the newly formed council will convene for its first meeting in early November, setting the stage for addressing the community’s pressing issues.