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MAY 15, 2025
Mayoral race confirmed
By Mary Anne Gill
When Mike Pettit wants to reconnect with what he loves about Waipā, he hikes to the top of Pukemako Scenic Reserve behind his Cambridge home. It was there at Maungakawa, alongside his wife Nicola and knowing he had the support of their blended family of six children, that he decided to run for mayor. “There’s never a perfect time,” says Pettit, “but this feels right.” He’s all in, choosing not to seek re-election as a councillor – a move which mirrors that of sitting mayor Susan O’Regan when she ran three years ago. Pettit, 57, and the first to announce he will challenge the sitting mayor, was born in Kawakawa and once dreamed of becoming an Air Force photographer before pursuing a career in education. After graduating from Auckland College of Education, he taught and was principal at several schools before eventually becoming principal of Cambridge Primary School in 2008 - a role he still holds today. Pettit’s journey into local politics began in 2010 when he was elected to the Cambridge Community Board. Though he briefly considered national politics,
he quickly realised his passion lay closer to home. “I was more interested in local stuff,” he says. He served three terms on the board, including two as chair, before being elected to Waipā District Council in 2019 representing the Cambridge ward. Pettit says he’s proud of the relationships he built and the visibility he brought to the board. “Relationships are everything,” he says. “That’s how we’ve built our school, and it’s how I live my life.” He dismisses any suggestion of a rift with mayor O’Regan after not being appointed to chair a committee following her election three years ago. He did have a leadership position as deputy chair of Service Delivery committee, he says. “I think we can be doing better as a district,” he says. “If elected, I’m ready and able to lead change for the better across our community.” That change would start with strengthening the council itself. Pettit believes elected members should receive immediate training in financial literacy, strategic thinking, critical questioning, and communication. He even proposes a speed-reading course to help councillors manage the often 1000-page agendas.
Mike Pettit, right, at a council meeting with Roger Gordon (left) and Marcus Gower.
“Everyone has to have a basic understanding of the finances and in my opinion, it needs to be far higher
as a group than what we collectively have now.” He also wants to overhaul how subcommittee chairs
are appointed -moving to a skills-based application process to ensure the right people.
He is concerned too many projects rely on asset sales and unrealistic funding expectations citing Lake Te Koo Utu as “a lot of hui but not much doey”. “The funding allocation from non-rates income needs to be realistic - or nothing happens.” Pettit also wants Cambridge Connections – the transport blueprint for the town - to have a clear purpose and is keen to see a community stakeholder group formed and local voices heard. Part of Pettit’s platform is building stronger partnerships - especially with mana whenua - and growing the Māori economy. Continued on page 3
Waipā show…mark two A total of 76 exhibitors will be promoting their products at the second Waipa Home and Leisure Show starting tomorrow. The event, launched by Good Local Media last year, returns to the Mighty River Domain at Lake Karāpiro for three days – Friday to Sunday. “There is something for every member of the family no matter your age, your budget or if you just want a great morning or afternoon out at an affordable price with families or friends in a relaxed and friendly environment,” Advertising and Commercial director Janine Davy said. Exhibitors returning from last year will be joined by a host of first-time exhibitors for Waipa’s second show. “Huis Joinery, back for another year, decided to extend their stand, so that they could hang a barn door between
their kitchen and laundry area. One barn door turned into two when they decided to give one barn door away at the show,” Davy said. Exhibitors include home building and renovation specialists, indoor and outdoor products for your home. Health and wellbeing features sports products, body and bone scanning, light and magnetic therapies, hearing health, orthotics and beeswax products. Favourites: award-winning chocolates, artisan Gouda cheese, Indian spices, and organic gin and vodka with fruit mixes are all there. Davy said it was an opportunity to support Waipā businesses “who have pulled out all the stops to impress” and national businesses which have travelled to Waipā so customers do not have to go to the main centres.
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