Smith wants to remain in city's top job

UNCHALLENGED: Grant Smith is running for mayor of Palmerston North. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith appears to be the only one running for council's top job.

The businessman was elected as mayor 18 months ago and says he wants to see a better future for Palmerston North, with council leading the way.

"Together with councillors I have encouraged a more business-like approach to council decisions, championed regional collaborations with our neighbours, led plans on our CBD revitalisation and parking trials, while growing relationships with our Rangitane iwi."

In his announcement to run for mayor, Smith touched on growth in the region that had occurred during his reign.

"Palmerston North and the wider Manawatu is a great place to do business, and in the last 18 months our airport has seen 20 per cent plus growth, we are attracting national and international Agri-business and logistics companies, while Food HQ ensures we are the nation's Food Science and Innovation capital.

"All our key sectors including defence, education and health are experiencing growth."

Smith has worked on various projects including reconnecting the city to the River Accord, a new wastewater consent process easing costly legal battles, he has championed Arena Manawatu as an essential events destination and has also focused on sport and cycleway investments.

Smith said housing was also an important issue he was working on.

"Housing has become a national issue, and we have our own challenges too within Palmerston North.

"Council is taking a lead, and being an enabler is crucial to getting a city solution and one we'll be working hard on with landlords, developers, community housing providers and NGOs to ensure this happens," Smith said.

He said he had no political alignments for his campaign and would rather rely on his "leadership, voting record and stance in the council chamber -- putting Palmerston North first."