A message from the Mayor

Newly-elected Taupō District Mayor John Funnell took up the mayoralty in October after a career as a rescue helicopter pilot and business owner. He shares his reflections on his first two months.

Greetings everyone.

Firstly, thank you to the 5000 of you who elected me. I also want to be clear that as mayor of our district my role is to work on behalf of all residents and ratepayers.

Since the election I’ve had to move from campaigning to governing, and that’s a big learning curve. Probably the first thing you discover is that being mayor is a much bigger role than it appears. While the obvious thing is leading the team of councillors, you’re also there to represent the Taupō District’s interests. In addition, Council is subject to many laws, rules and regulations it must operate within.

I’ve had the opportunity to learn about how council works and what it does, the big challenges that face our district and local government in general. I’ve also listened to what people have told me about the cost of living and rates affordability and really thinking about what we as a council want to deliver for our communities and how we can pursue what’s best for our district.

This includes continuing the important work our predecessors have done to set us up for the future. Our priority will continue to be the essentials – the roads, water and waste services – that are core council functions. Doing these basics well has the benefit of protecting our environment, looking after key council assets and allowing for sensible, well-planned growth. We must do all this in a way where you, the ratepayers, can see the benefit, and within the limits set out in our council’s financial strategy, which is available to read on council’s website.

While I campaigned on some specific subjects, what’s become clear is that there are other big issues such as local government reform that will require thoughtful leadership, partnerships and strategic vision, and that’s where I will need to focus the council’s efforts and attention.

While some of these reforms, such as Resource Management Act reform, are timely, others will result in loss of local representation and decision-making, which is a huge concern. I intend that my background in business and leading teams will help us navigate the difficult period ahead and ensure our lake and environment continue to be protected and our voice heard. We will keep in touch with you as key decisions come up and when there will be the opportunities to have your input too.

I am heartened to be supported by a team of councillors united with me in their determination to do the best we can for our district and its communities. We have a heavy workload in 2026 as we work to navigate the reforms and prepare an Annual Plan in line with the community’s expectations of affordable rates.

I wish you all a peaceful Christmas and Happy New Year.

John