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1916 days ago

West Coast mayoralty races under way

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

It's the end of an era – after 15 years the Grey District will have a new mayor.

Four candidates have put in nominations to replace long-standing mayor Tony Kokshoorn.

Kokshoorn has held the role since his landslide win against incumbent Kevin Brown in 2004, and has been elected unopposed four times.

Grey district councillor Tania Gibson was the first to put her hand up for the position.

She will run against long-term councillor and Runanga businessman Cliff Sandrey, West Coast Regional Council chairman Andrew Robb, and Richard Osmaston, a former Nelson candidate who campaigns against the use of money.

Buller mayor Garry Howard is also standing down. Five candidates will compete for the position: current councillor and Westport dairy farmer Jamie Cleine, former long-serving mayor Pat O'Dea, Westport photographer Charlie Bruning, rap artist Aaron Intemann, and lawyer Doug Taffs.

In Westland, incumbent mayor Bruce Smith is seeking a second term. He is going up against two sitting councillors: Gray Eatwell and deputy mayor Latham Martin. Also fighting for the mayoral spot are Ryan Kennedy from Okarito and Hokitika joiner John Mitchell.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 hour ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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22 hours ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 85.1% Yes
    85.1% Complete
  • 13.4% No
    13.4% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
611 votes
9 hours ago

Got a Minute? Prove You’re the Smartest Neighbour!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is it that when given one, you’ll have either two or none?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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