West Coast mayoralty races under way
It's the end of an era – after 15 years the Grey District will have a new mayor.
Four candidates have put in nominations to replace long-standing mayor Tony Kokshoorn.
Kokshoorn has held the role since his landslide win against incumbent Kevin Brown in 2004, and has been elected unopposed four times.
Grey district councillor Tania Gibson was the first to put her hand up for the position.
She will run against long-term councillor and Runanga businessman Cliff Sandrey, West Coast Regional Council chairman Andrew Robb, and Richard Osmaston, a former Nelson candidate who campaigns against the use of money.
Buller mayor Garry Howard is also standing down. Five candidates will compete for the position: current councillor and Westport dairy farmer Jamie Cleine, former long-serving mayor Pat O'Dea, Westport photographer Charlie Bruning, rap artist Aaron Intemann, and lawyer Doug Taffs.
In Westland, incumbent mayor Bruce Smith is seeking a second term. He is going up against two sitting councillors: Gray Eatwell and deputy mayor Latham Martin. Also fighting for the mayoral spot are Ryan Kennedy from Okarito and Hokitika joiner John Mitchell.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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75.8% Yes
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22.8% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Lawnmowing
We require some to mow some of our lawns for the next few weeks while I recuperate after surgery.
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