LGNZ is the leadership group for local government and provides advocacy and support for local councils. It is the lobby group for local government to central government and provides professional development and consultancy services for councils.  

“Standing for LGNZ President hadn’t been on my horizon but a growing number had encouraged me to consider standing for the role as a result of the leadership I had taken on Three Waters,” says Mayor Gordon.

“In recent years LGNZ has lost its way especially with regards to Three Waters and this has been witnessed with a number of Councils like Auckland and Kaipara deciding to leave and a number others considering similar action.

“I made the decision to stand as you can either sit on the side-lines or do something about it. A key priority for me is to ensure that LGNZ represents its membership and concentrates on advocating for Councils and their communities.

“My record shows that I am prepared to stand up for the things that matter.

“I helped set up Communities 4 Local Democracy – a Three Waters advocacy group born out of frustration that LGNZ signed an agreement with the Government that affected our ability to engage and shape Three Waters Reform. It did this without obtaining a mandate from members. This must never happen again.

“I am a candidate for change. I want to build strong relationships across the political spectrum and work hard to re-unite the sector. LGNZ needs to regain trust and show that we can make a difference.

“Strong local government and local democracy are hugely important for the success of every Council and community. We have seen through Three Waters and other reform processes recently that the local voice is not being heard. Local Government needs to work and lobby for all communities.

Dan Gordon is currently a member of the LGNZ National Council. To be eligible to run for President you need to be a current elected member in Local Government.

“LGNZ should be an advocate, thought leader and partner of all communities. We need local knowledge and expertise to solve the problems facing the country rather than being a delivery mechanism for unfunded Wellington-led decision making.

“If elected President my aim would be two-fold; firstly to rebuild relationships with Councils seeking their views on important matters, and secondly advocate for legislation and policy that puts communities and their interests at the core.

"The LGNZ role would be a natural extension of the work I already undertake with LGNZ as a member of the National Council and other zone commitments.

“Before putting myself forward I took time to understand the commitment this would require. It was imperative to me that my role as Mayor was not going to be affected. I also sought the views of the councillors, and they fully support my bid.

“Whatever the outcome, my priority will always be advocating for, and solving the problems of Waimakariri residents.”

The election results for LGNZ President will be decided at the LGNZ AGM on 26 July.