Helen Stead has been through all the big changes when it comes to local government in North Otago, and is hoping to make one herself.
Like Fliss Butcher, the only other woman standing for mayor, Mrs Stead is looking to make history by becoming the first woman to serve as mayor in the Waitaki district.
She first served as an Oamaru borough councillor for four terms, until local body amalgamation in 1989, when the borough council merged with the Waitaki and Waihemo County Councils to form the Waitaki District Council.
In 2004 she was elected to the district council to represent the Oamaru ward, and has held her seat in the last two elections. She is seeking a fourth term as a councillor, as well as contesting the mayoralty.
Why are you standing for mayor?
''Born and raised in the North Otago, I bring considerable local government and wide community background to the role. I value opportunities for sharing fresh ideas and reviewing directions with residents and fellow elected representatives to continue to see the Waitaki district a great place in which to live, work and visit.''
Will you be a fulltime mayor and why?
''Yes. The role is a mix of listening, serving, leading and representing Waitaki district, within the district and beyond. Abraham Lincoln's quote 'a government of the people, by the people, for the people' best describes the role.''
What position do you think the district is in?
''Finely balanced is the term that comes to mind. Waitaki covers a large geographical region, respected for its agricultural, tourism, gold and hydro energy contribution to New Zealand's economy.
"Seen as a great place to bring up children and to retire to, we are vulnerable to national and global politics and economic chills. Council policies should have a light hand-low impact upon the land and the economy.
"Co-operative regional initiatives to attract new investment, and support existing businesses, at the same time advance Waitaki's unique place in eco-heritage and cultural tourism by publicity flowing from Oamaru being the ''sharpest town'' in New Zealand.''
What are three issues facing the incoming council and why?
''Lack of recognition by central government and distant decision-makers of how vital rural and `heartland New Zealand' regions are to New Zealand's economy and social wellbeing.
"Removal of essential services is counterproductive. Spending taxpayer dollars building motorways or $660,000 `affordable homes' in Auckland ignores the need to have people servicing the national export-led agricultural economy and tourism potential throughout much of the rest of New Zealand.
''Rural district and regional councils must combine as heartland New Zealand to welcome returning Kiwis with families and encourage Kiwi companies back from overseas.
"We emphasise lifestyle choice, strong family-cultural values and truly affordable homes, all accessed on well-maintained local and rural roads.''
What would be one thing you would like to have achieved by the end of your term, and why?
''I currently chair the steering group working to redevelop the combined Forrester Gallery and North Otago Museum on the Forrester Gallery site. Gallery artworks storage and archive facilities are to be integrated with the Oamaru Public Library on the existing museum-library site.
''With that project being on track, I believe it possible that the Oamaru Harbour and environs could also be on track towards having World Heritage Site status by October 2016.
"The heritage, historic and cultural significance of our Forrester Gallery, North Otago Museum and archive tied with Ocean 2 Alps, Victorian Heritage Celebrations, Waitaha collection and Steampunk grows apace.
"Balanced with Oamaru blue and yellow-eyed penguin viewing and Waitaki lakes as family-friendly playground, Waitaki/Oamaru's unique character acts as a magnet for visitors, new residents and jobs.''
Helen Stead
Age: 74
Occupation: Conservation historian.
Marital status: Formerly married to Tony with grown-up family - Erica, Chris and Hilary.
Council experience: Three terms as Waitaki district councillor. Former Oamaru borough councillor for four terms.
Describe yourself in three words: Loyal, integrity, community.
