In a lively and well-attended mayoral debate in Whangārei, candidates discussed pressing issues such as crime rates, leadership styles, and the future direction of the city. The event, organised by the Northern Advocate and NorthChamber, drew an audience of approximately 170 people to the Northland Rugby Clubrooms, demonstrating the community’s keen interest in the upcoming local body election. The five candidates vying for the mayoral position are Brad Flower, Fiona Green, current councillors Ken Couper and Marie Olsen, and the incumbent Vince Cocurullo.
The debate was conducted under strict time constraints, with candidates addressing questions about their vision for Whangārei, how they would manage the balance between necessary investment and rate increases, the potential for parking charge adjustments, and their personal leadership styles. However, it was the questions from the audience that provided deeper insights into the candidates’ platforms. Residents queried the candidates on a range of topics, including the establishment of Māori wards, the financial implications of a Northland-wide water organisation, strategies for combating crime, and support for the homeless.
Among the audience were current councillors, council candidates, and New Zealand First MPs David Wilson and Andy Foster. The debate encouraged active participation through the use of interactive software Mentimeter, which allowed attendees to vote on the candidates’ responses. Ken Couper, a humble councillor and dairy farmer, emerged as a crowd favourite, securing 18 of the 35 votes cast at the end of the night. His six-step plan to reduce rates resonated with the audience. The plan included creating an operations arm similar to Far North Holdings, advocating for equitable contributions from Wellington, enhancing central Government rates rebates for qualifying pensioners, introducing a rates incentive scheme with a deferral option, conducting a comprehensive review of expenditure and procurement, and increasing collaboration with neighbouring councils.
Brad Flower, a confident candidate despite his lack of prior council experience, also received a positive reception, capturing nearly a quarter of the Mentimeter votes. Flower criticised the current administration for overseeing a 64% increase in rates over the past six years and argued that electing incumbents would result in more of the same. He highlighted his business leadership experience, including a challenging period when he had to make 80 staff redundant, as well as his involvement on the boards of Tikipunga, Kamo, and Whangārei Boys’ High Schools. Flower emphasised the need for the council to address the root causes of crime by fostering collaboration among agencies, such as empowering truancy officers with information about where truants congregate and connecting them with mental health services when necessary.
Incumbent Vince Cocurullo maintained an optimistic outlook on Whangārei’s future. He attributed several major projects to his advocacy and leadership, both as mayor and as chairman of the Northland Mayoral Forum. These projects include the four-laning of State Highway 1, the reconstruction of Whangārei Hospital, and the expansion of the port and dry dock facilities. When questioned about his use of the casting vote instead of building a majority in the council chamber, Cocurullo explained that he allowed every councillor to express their views but sometimes a decisive vote was necessary.
Councillor Marie Olsen focused on preventing budget overruns and eliminating wasteful spending. She envisioned a clean and vibrant city but struggled to articulate a clear strategy for addressing crime and anti-social behaviour. Fiona Green, known for her flair as a budding fashion designer, attended the debate in a teal evening gown adorned with sequins. She expressed empathy for the community’s struggles, stating that she had “taken a bullet” for them as a mayoral candidate in the previous election. Green identified white-collar crime and its associated drug use as significant issues.
Despite their differing priorities, all five candidates agreed on several key points: opposition to sand mining in Bream Bay, the necessity of affordable parking in the central business district, and support for the City Safe initiative. This consensus highlights a shared vision for certain aspects of Whangārei’s future, despite the varied approaches to achieving it.
The election, which will be conducted by postal vote from 9 September to 11 October, marks the first time the Whangārei District Council will use the single transferable voting system. This method allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, potentially leading to a more representative outcome.
The debate comes at a time when Whangārei, like many other cities, is grappling with challenges related to crime and economic development. Crime rates in New Zealand have been a growing concern, with the government implementing various measures to address the issue. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on community-based solutions, such as neighbourhood policing and youth engagement programmes, to prevent crime and enhance public safety.
The candidates’ discussion on crime and safety reflects broader national conversations about how to effectively tackle these issues. The New Zealand government has invested in initiatives aimed at reducing crime, including funding for mental health services, support for victims of crime, and programmes targeting youth offenders. These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to create safer communities and improve the quality of life for all residents.
As the election approaches, Whangārei residents will have the opportunity to decide which candidate best aligns with their vision for the city’s future. The outcome will determine how the city navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, from economic development to social welfare and environmental sustainability. The candidates’ differing approaches to these issues underscore the importance of informed and engaged voters in shaping the future of their community.
