Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz appointed interim Local Government New Zealand president

Mayor Rehette Stoltz has been appointed interim President of Local Government New Zealand, following the resignation of Sam Broughton, former Mayor of Selwyn. Photo / Supplied

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz has been appointed interim president of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) at its first national council meeting following the elections.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon was appointed interim vice-president.

They will remain in their respective positions until July next year when the LGNZ membership elects a president and vice-president at LGNZ’s Annual General Meeting for 2026-2029.

Stoltz was previously the LGNZ vice-president. Her new appointment follows the resignation of Sam Broughton, the former mayor of Selwyn.

Stoltz said LGNZ’s immediate focus would be on helping guide members through a period of significant policy change, with several major central government reforms before Parliament or out for consultation.

“This is a period of significant change thanks to the tsunami of reform looming over local government,” she said in a statement.

“The national council was clear that LGNZ needs to continue working constructively with the Government to help shape these reforms in ways that deliver the best outcomes for communities.

“Local government works best when the sector is united and able to collaborate effectively both with each other and with central government.”

Stoltz said LGNZ’s role was to be a “credible, unified voice” for member councils and the communities they serve.

“We’ve also seen a significant change in council leadership following the recent local elections, with 32 new mayors elected nationwide. This means the organisation needs to reset its strategy according to what its new membership wants.

“Ratepayers are facing a cost-of-living crisis, and that’s driving everything councils do over the next three years. Their focus is on being efficient, transparent and solutions-focused.”