Mayoral hopefuls have their say

4 Sep 2025 • By Mary Anne Gill

The mayoral chains of office

We asked the Waikato and Waipā mayoral candidates 10 questions.

They included how they would cut “waste”, reforming their council, rates capping, transparency, community engagement, the role of local media and why they want to be mayor.

Their responses are on our website cambridgenews.nz and click on the Elections 2025 tab.

Below are the two we asked them about amalgamation with other councils and who would they choose as their deputy mayor.

Waikato

Aksel Bech

Aksel Bech – born in Denmark, studied at Waikato University, was the Tamahere representative for six years and deputy for three.

I support amalgamation of services – shared services – starting immediately as that requires no legislative change.

Representational amalgamation should be explored but will of course take time but as our locals travel freely across Waipā, Waikato and the city, they pay no regard to council boundaries.

Ultimately we should mirror that.

My choice of deputy will be based on skills and experience.

In business I have always tried to put together the strongest team possible, including those that bring different skills and experiences, perspectives and points of view – I think that criteria beats geography.

Jacqui Church – fourth term on council, last three as mayor, lives at Port Waikato and is a business owner.

Amalgamation is inevitable for smaller councils over time, with planned, shared services increasing.

Re-amalgamation has happened in the past and must continue, keeping local government relevant and effective.

Collaboration is occurring now in the Waikato through Co-Lab, the Mayoral Forum, Futureproof and Council Controlled Organisations for Three Waters. Localism’s a choice of the people.

Deputy mayors are critical for democracy, the people and mayor.

Like councillors; strategically supporting, advising, leading and representing all our district. My deputy will be chosen for the best operational synergy of council, the people choose. To best represent our citizens for robust, stable, effective governance and representation, not egos.

Susan O’Regan

Susan O’Regan – born in Rukuhia, former lawyer, award-winning farmer, first elected 2016, chaired Strategic Committee, last three as mayor.

We need to do local government better. Rationalisation or regionalisation of local government is inevitable with the aggregation of water from July 2026.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean wholesale amalgamation. It will mean having a wider discussion about how efficiencies might be found without the loss of local voice.

It is too premature to think about deputy mayor.

The voters need to choose their representatives first. My role, whoever is elected around the table, will be to create a strong team using their skills and passions.

Good leadership is about enabling and empowering all those around you.

Mike Pettit – born in Kawakawa, school principal from 2008, Cambridge Community Board from 2018 and council since 2019.

I believe amalgamation discussions will come, particularly once the water reforms are completed and the sector’s future is clearer.

It is better to lead this conversation on our own terms, ensuring Waipā’s interests are protected, rather than risk being forced into a model designed elsewhere and forced upon us.

The deputy mayor must be someone with integrity, proven governance experience, and the ability to represent all of Waipā.

Together, we must have synergy and importantly, form a strong leadership team. Location alone should not determine the appointment. The role is important for balance, continuity, and leadership across the district.

Clare St Pierre – born in Te Rore, first class honours in Business Studies, NZ Institute of Directors chartered member, council since 2013.

Yes. I have already been calling for Waipā to review what would be left of our business after water services shift to a joint CCO and it makes sense to look to the other councils in that CCO arrangement to join up with for more savings.

Location will definitely be important so a Cambridge deputy mayor is my plan.

I want to be a mayor that’s seen in the community but having an experienced, respected and community-focused deputy mayor based in Cambridge as one of my closest advisors/collaborators will create an incredibly effective leadership combination.