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Sheryl Mai
Northern Advocate columnist

Sheryl Mai is the mayor of Whangārei District.

We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.

Check out Sheryl’s latest content
Comment: Youth crime surge needs community response
Northern Advocate

Comment: Youth crime surge needs community response

03 Jul 05:00 PM
Whangārei Mayor Sheryl Mai welcomes first Matariki public holiday
Northern Advocate

Whangārei Mayor Sheryl Mai welcomes first Matariki public holiday

19 Jun 05:00 PM

For the first time, we're celebrating Matariki nationwide with a public holiday

Comment: Celebrating a lifetime of service
Northern Advocate

Comment: Celebrating a lifetime of service

05 Jun 05:00 PM

The length of service of our Queen is something to be marvelled at

Sheryl Mai: It's important to have your say - five consultations announced
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: It's important to have your say - five consultations announced

10 Apr 05:00 PM

WDC wants your views on rates proposals, natural-hazard rules and several other matters.

Sheryl Mai: Removal of Covid vaccine passes welcome
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Removal of Covid vaccine passes welcome

27 Mar 04:00 PM

Whangārei mayor Sheryl Mai reflects on the recent challenges faced locally and nationwide.

Sheryl Mai: Stay safe, rejoice in superb new projects
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Stay safe, rejoice in superb new projects

13 Mar 04:00 PM

I am so proud of the people who have been involved in this project.

Sheryl Mai: Whangārei District Council heading to court to oppose Three Waters plan
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Whangārei District Council heading to court to oppose Three Waters plan

27 Feb 04:00 PM

Court battle for Whangārei District Council over Three Waters reform

Sheryl Mai: It's been a rollercoaster, but we made it
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: It's been a rollercoaster, but we made it

20 Feb 08:48 PM

The vision becomes reality at last

Sheryl Mai: Together we will get through this - how your personal level of responsibility can make a difference
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Together we will get through this - how your personal level of responsibility can make a difference

13 Feb 04:00 PM

Everyone can help slow spread of Omicron and protect the community's health and safety.

Sheryl Mai: Meri Kirihimete, hari tau hou and here's to a well-deserved break for us all
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Meri Kirihimete, hari tau hou and here's to a well-deserved break for us all

19 Dec 04:00 PM

One of the big topics this year has been the Three Waters Reform.

Sheryl Mai: Our services and Christmas continue despite Covid
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Our services and Christmas continue despite Covid

05 Dec 04:00 PM

Our objective is to keep our community safe.

Sheryl Mai: It's about managing risk, not restriction
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: It's about managing risk, not restriction

21 Nov 04:00 PM

Learning any new system is difficult.

Oruku Landing: yes or no?
Northern Advocate

Oruku Landing: yes or no?

07 Nov 04:00 PM

The Government was clear its $60m funding attaches only to this proposal on this site.

Let's get Whangārei to 90% vaccinated
Northern Advocate

Let's get Whangārei to 90% vaccinated

24 Oct 04:00 PM

Whangārei district is sitting at almost 61 per cent fully vaccinated, says mayor

Get vaccinated, play your part
Northern Advocate

Get vaccinated, play your part

10 Oct 04:00 PM

Together we are uniting against Covid-19, says Whangārei's mayor.

Council adapts to challenging times
Northern Advocate

Council adapts to challenging times

26 Sep 04:00 PM

It's a balancing act, where we are continually seeking the best advice, says Sheryl Mai.

District-wide representation for 2022?
Northern Advocate

District-wide representation for 2022?

12 Sep 05:00 PM

October 11 deadline for appeals/objections to Whangārei district-wide voting proposal.

Back in our bubbles – but this time it's different
Northern Advocate

Back in our bubbles – but this time it's different

29 Aug 05:00 PM

These are not unprecedented times, we now have more knowledge - we will get through.

Three Waters - change we don't want
Northern Advocate

Three Waters - change we don't want

15 Aug 05:00 PM

Some change is forced upon us, such as Covid-19 and adaptation to climate change.

Sheryl Mai: Reimagining the future
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Reimagining the future

01 Aug 05:00 PM

Council is constantly growing, and developing the district in response to changing needs.

Oruku Landing - to proceed or not?
Northern Advocate

Oruku Landing - to proceed or not?

18 Jul 05:00 PM

It would be fair to say feelings were 50/50 for and against the project.

Water, water everywhere - without big debt to service
Northern Advocate

Water, water everywhere - without big debt to service

04 Jul 05:00 PM

We have invested wisely in our water systems over many generations, says Sheryl Mai.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: Public perception is that crime is worsening
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Public perception is that crime is worsening

20 Jun 05:00 PM

When it comes to the safety of our district, everyone has a part to play.

Premium
Let's celebrate Māori new year, says mayor
Northern Advocate

Let's celebrate Māori new year, says mayor

06 Jun 09:00 PM

Sheryl Mai offers her thoughts, in English and in Māori, on the arrival of Matariki.

Premium
2021-31 Long Term Plan ready to roll
Northern Advocate

2021-31 Long Term Plan ready to roll

23 May 05:00 PM

Plan includes one-off 7 per cent rates rise in 2021-22 financial year after Covid-19 dip.

Premium
Day of pride for Aotearoa's newest citizens
Northern Advocate

Day of pride for Aotearoa's newest citizens

09 May 05:00 PM

First in-person NZ citizenship ceremony held in Whangārei since pre-Covid times.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: Countdown to bubble-free Anzac Day 2021
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Countdown to bubble-free Anzac Day 2021

11 Apr 06:00 PM

It will be special to once again experience the poignant silence of a gathered crowd.

Premium
Council representation review coming up
Northern Advocate

Council representation review coming up

28 Mar 04:00 PM

The review's outcome will be in effect for the 2022 and 2025 triennial local elections.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: In wake of tsunami alert, make a plan in event of emergency
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: In wake of tsunami alert, make a plan in event of emergency

14 Mar 04:00 PM

Stay alert and be prepared.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: Time to have your say about our Long Term Plan
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Time to have your say about our Long Term Plan

27 Feb 08:33 PM

Mayor Sheryl Mai writes to you about the Long Term Plan.

Premium
Council focusing on five key priorities
Northern Advocate

Council focusing on five key priorities

14 Feb 04:00 PM

Public meetings will give you the chance to have your say on future projects.

Premium
Take pandemic seriously, follow health guidelines
Northern Advocate

Take pandemic seriously, follow health guidelines

31 Jan 04:00 PM

Hopefully we'll be able to celebrate Waitangi Day and future public holidays as planned.

Premium
Mayor Sheryl Mai: Freedom camping front of mind
Northern Advocate

Mayor Sheryl Mai: Freedom camping front of mind

17 Jan 04:00 PM

Camping in Public Places Bylaw review reaches deliberation phase.

Premium
More in awe of our people than ever
Northern Advocate

More in awe of our people than ever

20 Dec 04:00 PM

Your sacrifices and selflessness during Covid-19 helped keep vulnerable residents safe.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: Christmas has come to town
Opinion

Sheryl Mai: Christmas has come to town

06 Dec 04:00 PM

There is something for everyone during Christmas in the City 2020 events this month.

Premium
Time to work together to ease growing pains
Northern Advocate

Time to work together to ease growing pains

22 Nov 04:15 PM

Lot of work to be done before infrastructure catches up with district's population surge.

Premium
Comment: The winds of change are blowing...
Northern Advocate

Comment: The winds of change are blowing...

08 Nov 04:00 PM

My heart and my head both tell me this was the right thing to do, says mayor Sheryl Mai.

Premium
Council holding drop-in sessions at Central Library
Northern Advocate

Council holding drop-in sessions at Central Library

25 Oct 04:00 PM

Find out what the Whangārei District Council is planning to do and give your feedback.

Premium
Civic Honours Awards and a call to vote
Northern Advocate

Civic Honours Awards and a call to vote

11 Oct 10:00 PM

Fringe Festival is just what we need after a year of being on high alert, says mayor Mai.

Premium
Whangārei hapū in local government decision making
Northern Advocate

Whangārei hapū in local government decision making

27 Sep 10:00 PM

Significant milestone brings ngā hapū o Whangārei and Whangārei District Council together.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: Northland staycation offers wealth of options
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Northland staycation offers wealth of options

30 Aug 11:00 PM

Now's a great time to explore our region's abundant picturesque nooks and crannies.

Premium
Civic Centre work begins
Northern Advocate

Civic Centre work begins

16 Aug 11:00 PM

The new building will allow all Whangārei District Council whānau to work under one roof.

Premium
Challenging year brings us together
Northern Advocate

Challenging year brings us together

02 Aug 11:00 PM

Drought, Covid-19, now flooding puts more pressure on communities, businesses and farmers.

Premium
Upgrades to recreation spaces under way
Northern Advocate

Upgrades to recreation spaces under way

19 Jul 11:00 PM

Waipū skatepark at early stages, Ngunguru's skatepark nearly complete.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: Celebrating new beginnings in Matariki
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Celebrating new beginnings in Matariki

05 Jul 11:00 PM

A series of community events planting pōhutukawa is a great way to mark the season.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: Celebrate the strength of communities working together
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Celebrate the strength of communities working together

21 Jun 11:00 PM

Take some time this week to volunteer.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: The post-Covid funds  we hope to tap
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: The post-Covid funds we hope to tap

05 Jun 11:00 PM

Our social and economic landscape has changed.

Premium
'Normal, not normal, new normal'
Northern Advocate

'Normal, not normal, new normal'

24 May 11:00 PM

We will be adjusting to this new normal for many years to come, writes Sheryl Mai.

Premium
Council seeking input on reshaped Annual Plan
Northern Advocate

Council seeking input on reshaped Annual Plan

11 May 02:00 AM

The challenge ahead is to rebuild our economy.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: Coming through Covid-19 together
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Coming through Covid-19 together

26 Apr 11:00 PM

The best way forward will be for us to support local businesses when we can

Premium
After the lockdown- what happens?
Northern Advocate

After the lockdown- what happens?

12 Apr 11:00 PM

Council has shifted from a reactive and responsive phase, into a strategic planning phase.

Premium
Stay connected, positive and know the facts
Northern Advocate

Stay connected, positive and know the facts

29 Mar 10:00 PM

There are thngs we can do to help us through the lockdown.

Covid-19: Have a plan, be prepared and practical
Northern Advocate

Covid-19: Have a plan, be prepared and practical

15 Mar 10:00 PM

COMMENT: Now is the time for ingenuity, down-to-earth attitude and common sense.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: Diversity and acceptance key to Northland
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Diversity and acceptance key to Northland

01 Mar 10:00 PM

Welcoming our new citizens is always a touching experience, Sheryl Mai says.

Premium
mPark zones in CBD, future parking plans
Northern Advocate

mPark zones in CBD, future parking plans

16 Feb 10:30 PM

New parking zones across the city will reduce the 16 existing zones to three.

Premium
Whangārei on infrastructure radar
Opinion

Whangārei on infrastructure radar

02 Feb 10:30 PM

Industry experts on the ground to gain a first-hand perspective on our plans for district.

Premium
A stark reminder when our sky turned red
Northern Advocate

A stark reminder when our sky turned red

19 Jan 10:00 PM

Conserving water takes a community effort

Premium
20/20 vision into the New Year
Northern Advocate

20/20 vision into the New Year

22 Dec 10:30 PM

Our continued population growth dictates the need for upgraded infrastructure and housing.

Premium
Yes, bring the port north
Northern Advocate

Yes, bring the port north

08 Dec 10:30 PM

Mayor still waiting to see Upper North Island Supply Chain Strategy working group report.

Premium
Festive season and summer fast approaching
Northern Advocate

Festive season and summer fast approaching

24 Nov 10:30 PM

The District Council has put together a range of events for the Christmas/Summer season.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: New term, new focus
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: New term, new focus

11 Nov 01:00 AM

We face challenges that are unique to us geographically and demographically.

Premium
Opinion: Get engaged, run for council
Opinion

Opinion: Get engaged, run for council

07 Jul 07:30 PM

We need diversity in our local government. Be that voice around the decision-making table.

Premium
Sheryl Mai: Changes in procurement processes
Northern Advocate

Sheryl Mai: Changes in procurement processes

23 Jun 05:00 PM

New procurement policy principles include transparency, accountability and more.

Premium
Rail first step in march towards carbon neutral NZ, Mayor says
Northern Advocate

Rail first step in march towards carbon neutral NZ, Mayor says

09 Jun 11:30 PM

Zero-emission transport is in the Mayor's vision for Whangārei.

Premium
Consultation and engagement at WDC
Northern Advocate

Consultation and engagement at WDC

27 May 12:00 AM

Right now, we're in the middle of producing our 2019-20 Annual Plan, says Mayor Mai.

Premium
District's roads maintenance a contentious issue
Northern Advocate

District's roads maintenance a contentious issue

12 May 06:30 PM

$45 million budgeted for transport including roads, footpaths, bridges and shared paths.

Whangārei Mayor Sheryl Mai: Successes of our young people inspiring
Northern Advocate

Whangārei Mayor Sheryl Mai: Successes of our young people inspiring

31 Mar 10:30 PM

Youth Space funding boost triggers reflections on recent youth achievements in Whangārei.

New Civic Centre smart move financially and organisationally, Mayor says
Northern Advocate

New Civic Centre smart move financially and organisationally, Mayor says

17 Mar 10:30 PM

COMMENT: Whangarei District Mayor Sheryl Mai "dispels myths" over new Civic Centre.

Is Baby Shark the answer to Northland's horror road toll?
Northern Advocate

Is Baby Shark the answer to Northland's horror road toll?

03 Mar 10:30 PM

Half of the 2019 Northland road deaths had occurred on roads in Whangārei District.

More to identity than a DNA test
Northern Advocate

More to identity than a DNA test

18 Feb 12:00 AM

While we are all proud of our own heritage, we are also proud to be New Zealanders.

Carbon-neutral goal at heart of council's sustainability strategy
Northern Advocate

Carbon-neutral goal at heart of council's sustainability strategy

04 Feb 01:00 AM

Sharing information and walking the talk are key features of the strategy, mayor says.

'Achieve more by doing less, better'
Northern Advocate

'Achieve more by doing less, better'

21 Jan 01:00 AM

I've started 2019 with a clear vision to add purpose and value to my career and my life.

Welcome to 2019 - rates, revaluations and recycling
Northern Advocate

Welcome to 2019 - rates, revaluations and recycling

07 Jan 01:00 AM

Whangārei Mayor Sheryl Mai delivers her first fortnightly column in the Northern Advocate.

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