Invercargill's mayoralty race has just increased to six following the announcement today (7th July) that sitting Invercargill City Council (ICC) councillor Darren Ludlow will also be contesting the position at this years local body elections.

Ludlow joins five other contenders including fellow ICC councillors Rebecca Amundsen and Ian Pottinger, sitting ICC mayor Tim Shadbolt, Southland District Council (SDC) mayor Gary Tong and Bluff community board member Noel Peterson.

Ludlow, who previously contested the mayoralty in 2019, sees one of the challenges going into this election as being people’s understanding of the role of mayor.

“As well as a leader, you have to be a positive and engaged role model. It’s also not all about you.

The mayor is the voice and advocate for Council - locally, regionally and at a national level. My strength is running a fair and engaging process for all councillors and our residents; and my existing networks in local government will ensure our views are heard.”

“Experience does matter at a time when we face change, and in the wake of increased scrutiny. Alongside significant council experience, I’m also a business manager – but more importantly, I’m a husband and a father. Making the city a place where family and whanau are at the heart is my ‘why’ and I’m proud of that,” he said.

Ludlow said the past three years on the Invercargill council had been the most challenging, from concerns expressed by the Department of Internal Affairs through to more than two years of navigating a new environment created by COVID-19.

“Council’s governance had to look at how it operated and engaged, particularly with each other, and collectively own what was wrong and find a way forward. At the same time, the organisation had to pivot with how we operated, either remotely or in a new distanced environment, and cope with increased absences. It’s been really tough on everyone,” he said.

However he said he was proud of how the council had responded and the role he played in it.

He said his role as Chair of the Performance, Policy and Partnerships committee had been a privilege but not without challenge, as some of the discussions had been complicated, difficult and some of the toughest he'd had to chair in his 21 years of council service.

“My style and philosophy is based around fairness – making use of meeting rules to ensure everyone has the opportunity to have input at the right time and keeping on-point. We are part of a democracy which means not everyone gets what they want, but it’s important we cover off all the relevant points that need to be considered, everyone has a voice, and together we reach a democratic conclusion, and move on.

“I feel it’s a style that works well and the feedback I’ve had from councillors confirms they’ve appreciated the process, even if the outcome wasn’t what they personally advocated for.”

Ludlow said the current political climate is one of critical change for local government.

“The issues around three waters are significant and Council has provided a clear steer to the Government on our position. While the eventual outcomes are out of our control, we must continue to reflect the opinions and feelings of our community.”

“The shape of local government and future responsibilities are also shifting – again at the direction of Central Government – and that’s where experience is really going to count".

“For me, one of the most appealing parts of seeking the mayoralty at this time is the opportunity to lead Council through the next period of change. Change is inevitable, and it needs a steady, experienced and respected hand to help us navigate through that,” Ludlow said.

“I’ve witnessed and been part of a great deal of change and shifting responsibilities across my seven terms as a councillor and feel I’ve shown I can be flexible and adapt when that’s needed. There’s no point in being stuck in the past, but it’s also important to know where we’ve come from and why change has happened".

“We are also in a period of consolidation where the Council needs to be mindful of the significant projects already underway. Realistically, that means new ideas may have to wait – from both an affordability perspective and the ability of the marketplace to carry out the work".

“It’s going to be tough striking the critical balance between making sure business opportunities get the support needed – including guidance through processes – and that we have a strong economic base that will allow our whanau and families to flourish".

“Invercargill needs to be a place where people want to live. There are already unique opportunities and great developments underway. I’m always open to hearing how we can support new ideas that attract and retain people in our city.”