Mayor Neil Brown is standing down in October after 21 years on the Ashburton District Council and says local government is about making sure the district thrives.

The local farmer remembers his first term and says he learned the art of listening, talking when needed and getting to grips with meeting procedure and Local Government rules.

“You need to build confidence around the Council table but not be afraid to ask questions.”

He is encouraging anyone interested in standing in the coming local elections to come along to Council’s candidate information sessions – the first is at Te Whare Whakatere on Wednesday 18 June, at 5.30pm and the second is in the Mt Hutt Memorial Hall at Methven on Tuesday 24 June, at 7pm.

The sessions are being hosted by Chief Executive Hamish Riach and potential candidates can learn what is expected of them during the election process, and ask questions or seek more information.

Mayor Brown said the information sessions were a great way of seeing what is involved in being a mayor, district councillor or community board member.

“These are governance roles, with the aim of making sure the district thrives and that Council runs efficiently.

“It helps if you have a good knowledge of the district and what makes it tick. Council itself is like a big ship that changes course by a few degrees at a time, and so councillors who campaign on one particular issue are sometimes disappointed when they realise they are only one vote among 10 at the table.

“As a team we respect each other and while we don’t always agree, we work together to provide the services our community needs.”

Mayor Brown said the role was challenging at times, but brought satisfaction and presented opportunities for professional development and learning via Local Government training modules.

“Local democracy requires good people to want to stand and commit to being part of this district’s local decision-making, so if you think that sounds like you then come along to the information evenings and find out more.

"Another way to learn more about the role is to come along to a Council meeting or watch one on our social media channels.”

In the Local Elections, local voters will select a new mayor, nine district councillors and a Methven Community Board. Nominations open on 4 July and voting is by post from mid-September.