Rehette Stoltz named LGNZ President, Dan Gordon Vice President

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz has been appointed President of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) at LGNZ’s first National Council meeting of the new triennium, with Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon also elected by National Council as LGNZ Vice President.

Rehette Stoltz and Dan Gordon will remain in their respective positions until July 2026, when the LGNZ membership elects a President and Vice President at LGNZ’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the 2026-2029 period.

Rehette Stoltz says LGNZ’s immediate focus will 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, and 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,” says Rehette Stoltz.

“I’d also like to acknowledge Sam Broughton’s tenure as President for LGNZ. Sam has been an advocate for local government, and we thank him for his contributions.

“Local government works best when the sector is united and able to collaborate effectively both with each other and with central government. LGNZ’s role is 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 LGNZ 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-focussed.”

LGNZ Vice President Dan Gordon says National Council will meet in February to further develop the organisation’s strategic direction and advocacy approach.

"National Council will set LGNZ’s advocacy priorities early next year. The message from members is clear, LGNZ’s focus must be member led, achievable and reflective of the full range of perspectives across the sector. Under this new leadership and reset, they will be,” says Dan Gordon.

“We will establish working groups to engage with members on the key issues ahead from 2026 onwards, including structural reform, rates capping and resource management reform. The sector is ready to engage constructively and play its part in supporting New Zealand’s future.”

LGNZ National Council (2025-2028):

• LGNZ President: Mayor Rehette Stoltz
• LGNZ Vice President: Mayor Dan Gordon
• Zone 1 representative: Mayor Ken Couper
• Zone 2 representative: Mayor Toby Adams
• Zone 3 representative: Mayor Craig Little
• Zone 4 representative: Mayor Fran Wilde
• Zone 5 representative: Mayor Dan Gordon
• Zone 6 representative: Mayor Tamah Alley
• Metro sector representative: Mayor Grant Smith
• Metro sector representative: Mayor Mahé Drysdale
• Metro sector representative: Mayor Sophie Barker
• Regional sector representative: Deputy Chair Bonita Bigham
• Regional sector representative: Mayor Rehette Stoltz
• Rural sector representative: Mayor Faylene Tunui
• Provincial representative: Mayor Tania Tapsell
• Te Maruata representative: Councillor Dinnie Moeahu
• Te Maruata representative: Deputy Mayor Aubrey Ria
• Young Elected Members representative: Councillor Alex Crackett