Two-time Olympic champ Mahé Drysdale wants to trade in his rowing oars for the mayoral chains, announcing today he's running to become Tauranga's next leader.
The 45-year-old retired from international rowing in June 2021, after competing to become a five-time world champion and cementing himself in Kiwi sporting history.
Drysdale now believes he's the man for the moment in Tauranga.
Voting takes place in July with local polls being held for the first time in five years.
The sporting legend explained why he believed a former rower was the best candidate.
Mahé Drysdale speaks to Q+A. (Source: Q and A)
"People were surprised as a single sculler — talking about a team. But, you know, I wasn't able to deliver anything without that team around me — that is what I think I can bring to the table," the mayoral contender said.
The Cambridge-based sportsman revealed his intention to run on Q+A this morning. Drysdale first publicly hinted at a run for the Tauranga City Council last month.
The country's fastest-growing city has grappled with growing pains — housing shortages, crumbling infrastructure, traffic woes and civic disunity. Former councillors were so dysfunctional that commissioners were appointed to govern Tauranga in 2021.
In a pointed plea, Drysdale told Q+A that he wanted to start "from scratch" without any hangover from the previous council.
"There shouldn't be any hangover from a council that had issues," Drysdale said.
The 45-year-old retired from international rowing in June 2021, after competing to become a five-time world champion and cementing himself in Kiwi sporting history. (Source: 1News)
"We're starting from scratch a new team.
"On delivering me as mayor, I also ask the people of Tauranga to deliver good people."
In Tauranga, a planned revitalisation of the city centre is already well underway, with new high-rises, luxury apartments and the future council building under construction.
"At least [the commissioners are] providing the benchmark for how professional governance should be managed," said Matt Cowley of the Tauranga Business Chamber.
"The key priority is a vision for transport and housing."
But commissioners have earned the scorn of some in the city, with criticism of changes made after the stripping of local representation.
90 Devonport Road is set open next year and will house the council staff. (Source: Supplied)
Asked about how he would rebuild trust, Drysdale said: "Trust is earned and I've learned that from my sporting career.
"I would absolutely just go in and start talking to people, and start delivering."
Former mayor Tenby Powell has also been contemplating whether to stand again as a mayoral candidate or as a councillor.
Powell presided over a fractured council before it was taken over by commissioners — a move he welcomed at the time after resigning.
Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Matt Cowley says the cities former council was an "embarrassment".
"My hope and dream for Tauranga is to say to the residents — let this work continue by voting in those, who have the vision to take the city forward and have the ability to work as a team."
Q+A with Jack Tame is made with the support of New Zealand On Air
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