Casting Vote Locks In Wairarapa-Tararua Water Plan

Thursday, 21 August 2025, 5:00 pm
Article: Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

An unprecedented casting vote has locked in the destiny of a joint Wairarapa-Tararua water services entity. 

In a knife-edge Carterton District Council meeting on Wednesday, councillors were locked 4-4 when Mayor Ron Mark used his casting vote as chair to get the joint water services delivery plan over the line. 

It was the first time Mark had used a casting vote in his lengthy political career and followed the adoption of plans earlier in the day by council partners Masterton, Tararua, and South Wairarapa.

In justifying his casting vote, Mark said the decision was “probably the biggest decision facing elected members in local government” and that his council had previously supported progressing the Wairarapa-Tararua model. 

“This is bigger than just me. This is bigger than Carterton. My casting vote is in favour of the motion. The motion is carried.” 

Carterton councillor Grace Ayling, who voted against the motion, said she was shocked by Mark’s decision to use his casting vote after he had “spoken many times about the fact that he would never use a casting vote”. 

“I think there are a few of us around the table that are shocked by this decision.” 

Mark said he understood and apologised for any distress his casting vote had caused. 

“It is a challenge for me, but this is a significant matter that I firmly believe is in the best interests of Carterton.” 

Deputy Mayor Steve Cretney, who also voted against adopting the joint water services delivery plan, said Mark did not have to apologise. 

“That’s your decision as chair. We accept that decision,” he said. 

Other Carterton councillors who voted against the motion were Lou Newman and Steve Gallon. 

In Masterton, councillors voted 6-3 in favour of the Wairarapa-Tararua water services delivery plan, with councillors Tim Nelson, Brent Goodwin, and Tom Hullena voting against. 

In South Wairarapa, Mayor Martin Connelly and councillor Aaron Woodcock voted against, and in Tararua, councillor Mike Long voted against. 

The plans would now be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs by September 3. Further reporting to come. 

-LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

© Scoop Media

Local Democracy Reporting

Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.