Reflecting on his initial months as mayor of Tauranga, former Olympian Mahé Drysdale has expressed no regrets about the demanding role he has embraced. Elected in July, Drysdale leads the first council to regain democratic control after the city had been governed by commissioners for over three years. The influence of the previous commissioners and their decisions have been a significant focus during his early tenure.
Drysdale observed that the council has been more reactive than proactive due to early challenges. In the first week, decisions had to be made regarding the $151 million funding for infrastructure. Diverging from the commissioners’ suggestion to use the Infrastructure Funding and Financing levy, the council opted to connect with the Local Government Financing Agency, a decision Drysdale believes benefits ratepayers.
A contentious issue faced by the new council was the sale of the marine precinct, previously criticized as a “disaster.” Despite their reluctance, the new council was bound by the existing agreement. Drysdale indicated that the current council would not have proceeded with the sale if given the choice.
In addition to local issues, central government decisions have profoundly impacted the city’s financial outlook, leaving the city with limited funds and significant rate increases projected over the next decade. Drysdale criticized the existing rating system and emphasized the need for greater community engagement in council decisions. He highlighted the importance of addressing personal attacks on council staff while advocating for open discussions and transparency.
Despite residing 100 kilometers outside of Tauranga, Drysdale committed to moving closer before the start of the 2025 school year, acknowledging the difficulties posed by the housing crisis. Throughout these challenges, Drysdale focuses on engaging the community and managing financial constraints effectively.
