Mike Pettit
A mayoral candidate says he was naïve to include a campaign plug in a school newsletter, but Waipā deputy electoral officer Jo Gread says he did nothing wrong.
Big kid: School principal Mike Pettit who happily sprayed children on the water slide.
Mike Pettit, principal of Cambridge Primary School and standing for mayor, used last week’s newsletter to ask for volunteers willing to deliver campaign flyers. He invited “keen walkers” to get in touch.
Mike Pettit
“In hindsight I should not have put it in the newsletter,” he said.
“I got it wrong. That was naïve on my part. I was actually trying to do the right thing and not be political at all.”
Gread said candidates cannot use council resources for campaigning purposes.
“However, if other work places, or organisations want to allow candidates to communicate via their channels that is their choice to do so,” she said.
The piece from Mike Pettit in the school newsletter.
Most workplaces, including councils, are advised to avoid using their roles for political advantage or linking their campaigns to their jobs.
Cambridge Primary School board chair Kate Paine said she fully supported Pettit’s mayoral campaign.
Kate Paine
In a letter to parents in May, she wrote that trustees wished him well.
“We appreciate his proactive communication with us and his willingness, as always, to put his best foot forward for not just Cambridge Primary School but the Waipā community.”
Pettit has consistently said he would stand down as principal if elected mayor.
The school has already begun planning for a potential transition, with its two deputy principals working alongside the Ministry of Education.
Although the mayor does not officially take office until sworn in, if elected on October 11, Pettit would be expected to begin duties just two days later.
A school board election is underway, but the school says it is prepared.
Pettit said students have taken an interest in the local body elections because their principal is a candidate.
“The kids have asked me all sorts of questions,” he said.
Big kid: School principal Mike Pettit who happily sprayed children on the water slide.
