MAHÉ for MAYOR

Mahé Drysdale for Tauranga Mayor

Why Mahé?

Tauranga has an exciting future. I want to lead a new generation of strong and accountable leadership that can take our city forward.

I was raised in Tauranga and I want the city to fulfil its potential. My vision is that Tauranga is known as New Zealand’s best small city.

I have proven experience in working to achieve success. With a profile that can help build Tauranga’s image as an exciting and positive place to live.

I bring experience in accounting and financial management to the table. I am determined to effectively manage the challenging financial situation that the TCC faces, due to rising interest rates and cost pressures.

We need collaborative, constructive and decisive leadership around the Council table. I will lead a “Team of Ten” approach, working towards creating a better city over the four year term.

We will be an open and inclusive Council that brings voices and ideas from all parts of our community forward. We will listen to our community and take positive actions to improve our city.

My family has a strong tradition of community service and I'm keen to continue that legacy by contributing to the creation of a better city for the next generation.​​​​​​​

Please rank me number one as you elect our next Mayor of Tauranga. 

Mahé's Plan

The next Tauranga City Council l will lead, will need to manage the impacts of population growth, major infrastructure builds and redevelopment of the centre city.

Tauranga has had challenges in the past years with governance, but my focus is on the future and creating a modern, attractive city.

Clear, engaged, transparent 
and accountable leadership.

Good governance and strong scrutiny 
of the Council and its functions.

Ensuring financial plans are focused on value for money.

Investing in the infrastructure and facilities that the city needs to fulfil its potential.

Building Tauranga’s profile as a major New Zealand city around
 the world and promoting how great a city Tauranga is.

Being a powerful advocate for Tauranga with central government to ensure that the city gets its fair share.

A “Team of Ten” approach to leading the Council with collaboration and high standards of behaviour.

About Mahé

Mahe was raised in Tauranga, he attended Tauranga Boys' College before heading to Auckland for his sixth form and then direct to University in Auckland. He took up the sport of rowing at university – he went on to have a very successful twenty year career in the sport.

Mahé is a two-time Olympic Champion in 2012 and 2016 in the single scull. He won the World Championship five times. He made New Zealand proud as he won his gold medals on the global stage.

He had the honour of being Flag Bearer and Team Captain of the New Zealand Olympic Team at the 2008 Games. He was the Supreme Halberg Award Winner in 2006 and winner of the Sportsman of the Year at the Halberg Awards 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2016.

Since retiring from professional sport, he has been a mentor and leader.  He has been a strong advocate for elite athletes as a co-Chair of the Athletes Co-operative, which has sought to improve terms and conditions of elite athletes with High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Mahé works as a Financial Advisor at Forsyth Barr Limited. He is a registered Financial Advisor and has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Auckland in accounting and commercial law. He also completed a Graduate Diploma of Commerce in information technology. He worked in an accounting firm early in his career and is an ACA with Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CAANZ)

Mahé is married to Juliette and has three children.

He was inducted as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (M.N.Z.M) in 2009.

Mahé is the grandson of Sir Robert (Bob) Owens who was Mayor of Tauranga from 1968 to 1977 and Mayor of Mount Maunganui Borough from 1971 to 1974.

Career Highlights

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