Four way mayoral race

Four people have confirmed they are standing for the Tauranga mayoralty in the local body elections, which are eight months away.

Deputy mayor Kelvin Clout, finance committee chairman John Robson, former councillor Murray Guy and Trustpower community relations manager Graeme Purches have all thrown hat in the ring for the top job.


Kelvin Clout, John Robson, Graeme Purches and Murray Guy are running for mayor.

Incumbent Stuart Crosby has been saying since the last election in 2013 that this would be his last term.

Graeme Purches originally intended to stand for the city council three elections ago, but ‘got crook' and pulled the pin. He's arranged his retirement with Trustpower to coincide with the election year.

Graeme was originally going for council but was advised by a number of people, including some of the current team, that he need to stand for the mayor's job as well.

'I've had a relationship with councils in a whole bunch of regions as part of my job here over the last 17 years,” says Graeme.

'I've currently got a relationship with 28 mayors and CEOs around the country, and I'm currently chair of council owned property company for the last three years.

'So I've got a really good understanding of what works and what doesn't work in local government and some of the challenges they face. I'm under no illusions. I know half of what council does is bound by legislation.

'I think there's a lot of opportunities to do things better than they have been done. And the big thing is there is an absolute need for some vision. We need to have a vision that everybody knows and understands and looks 20-30 years ahead and all of our planning should be based around that.”

Graeme's promising a campaign of 'no billboards, no B.S”


Stuart Crosby will not be running for mayor this year.

Former city councillor Murray Guy is standing again for council and the mayoralty, and thinks there will be more contenders for the mayor's seat.

'There will be others to come out once Paul Adams' candidate comes forward and stuff,” says Murray – referring to Paul Adams' campaigns to re-build the city centre and a rugby stadium on The Domain.

Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout is also re-standing, along with John Robson.

Both have been contacted for comment and have not yet responded.

A quick poll of other councillors found no other mayoral candidates, at present.

Steve Morris is gauging public support. 'If I thought I could win, I would do it.”

He says the new mayor should come from the current council, as with private sectors boards that normally promote from within - or if from outside, someone with experience in the same industry.

'A lot of people go for the mayoralty because of that extra profile,” says Steve. 'Don't stand for the council and the mayoralty just for the profile.”

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16 comments

Mayoral salary looms large?

Posted on 23-02-2016 10:13 | By Councillorwatch

My analysis so far is that one newbie, two new councillors and one former councillor are lining up. Maybe fair enough, somebody's got to do it. The Murray Guy attempt should come as no surprise. This is the man that ran at the byelection for the Mount Ward when he didn't even live in that ward??? Must have been disappointing to have missed out on the NZ First nomination too. Oh well. there's always the mayoralty and it pays about the same as an MP. Let's hope our voters are perceptive.


Muarray needs to slink off somewhere

Posted on 23-02-2016 12:41 | By The Sage

I think most voters see Murray for what he is. We need someone with some vision and get up and go, not someone who is simply looking for a meal ticket.


Here we go ...

Posted on 23-02-2016 12:46 | By Crash test dummies

God help the ratepayers of Tauranga as no one else can save us all from this lot.


Stict to the Current Younger Councillors

Posted on 23-02-2016 13:59 | By Watcher 1

Personally I question the Newbie, where was the foresight shown in relocating Trustpower HQ into CBD and adding to existing parking problems??, Nothing wrong with Trustpowers existing Trueman lane location to rebuild or extend. Our city needs young blood with foresight and NOT retirees. How does having a good relationship with 28 mayors and CEO's around the country offers very little in running our City. Clout and Robson both NEW in from the last election have preformed well as Councillors and have shown their expertise so they would get my vote. Stick to Councillor first to proven and mayor next?


Contender found???

Posted on 23-02-2016 14:15 | By Carla_Stirling

So I heard a rumor that the guy who stood for United Future in Tauranga is standing for Council. Is this as a councillor, or Mayor???


Support my efforts Jaffa

Posted on 23-02-2016 14:44 | By Murray.Guy

Support my nomination Jaffa and if successful you will largely ONLY have yourself to criticise as the City Council doors will be open, the lights turned on and the 'wider community' made welcome. No more secret society I know best predeterminations. As a councillor with a democracy / integrity focus you are largely forced to accept the mindset of the majority, as Mayor you can influence 'real change' in attitudes, processes and community consulted outcomes!


Murray Guy

Posted on 23-02-2016 14:53 | By Papamoaner

Sorry to disagree with cynical subjectivity, but I think Murray Guy would do a pretty reasonable job


@ Watcher 1

Posted on 23-02-2016 15:07 | By Councillorwatch

So far it does seem Mr Clout and Mr Robson have showed intelligence and decorum as well as taking interest in people's welfare. I really like it that they don't throw insinuation and innuendo about. Compare that with Mr Guy's line about "Paul Adam's candidate" coming forward. It's great to have at least some talented candidates and let's hope no more has-beens have a go. Steve Morris would also be good I think.


what a job!

Posted on 23-02-2016 15:29 | By Captain Sensible

Beats working at a real job and pays better too. Make as many mistakes as you want, get as many consultants as you want. No need for a spine. No accountability. What a job!


More like

Posted on 23-02-2016 15:31 | By The Sage

A two way Mayoral Race. No contest there. Go with the younger and well performing.


O come on Murray

Posted on 23-02-2016 16:20 | By Councillorwatch

How come on your council a secret meeting was held and a speedway business purchased? Other secret meetings as well involving a payout or two I believe. Are we to believe you don't have a mindset and only you have integrity? Really, come on, not everyone is gullible?


mayoralty

Posted on 23-02-2016 19:21 | By dumbkof2

best decision he ever made to stand down


Crawling out of the woodwork again Murray!

Posted on 24-02-2016 07:13 | By monty1212

Come on Murray. You had your turn and were spectacular for being unspectacular!Leave it to someone with a bit of energy.


Very strange indeed....

Posted on 25-02-2016 18:19 | By Jimmy Ehu

at least with Mr Murray.... he is what he is, and I agree with Papamoaner!!! and will give Murray my vote, please tell me one thing Mr Robson has delivered on that he " promised" , same applies to when he got elected, same applies to Mr Clout, and Mr Purches needs to get on Council first, bloody hell Murray for Mayor!!!, who would have thought?.


I

Posted on 21-05-2016 07:39 | By Capt_Kaveman

dont think anyone will beat clout as for the others Murry is dusted and John last election forgot to read the election rules


Jenny Argante

Posted on 21-05-2016 13:54 | By Jane Harmer

Here's the thing: Max Mason has been successful in every post he has held in New Zealand for the fifteen years I have known him, and been successful in all of them. That's a proven track record that I would rather rely on than any amount of promises. Tauranga IS on the cusp of change, and it does have terrific potential that for so many reasons I don't understand has not yet been fulfilled. BTW, let me go on record that 1: I don't like anonymous comments. Put a name to your opinions, & 2. No one should critisize the government they've got, local or central, if they couldn't be bothered to vote.


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