Taxi Driver Seeks Kaikōura Mayoralty

Friday, 29 August 2025, 4:56 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Dave Anderson has led a varied working life as a panel beater, a plumber, a teacher and now a taxi driver. 

Now he wants to be Kaikōura mayor. Originally from Blenheim, Mr Anderson and his wife Irene moved to Kaikōura nine years ago. 

‘‘I was a panel beater, then a plumber and then a teacher. I taught graphics, technology, woodwork and metalwork.’’ 

He taught at Whakatāne High School, then Westland High School and Kaikōura High School. 

He retired from teaching three years ago and started a taxi business. 

‘‘As a taxi driver you hear about what locals’ concerns are,’’ he said. 

‘‘I just want to see things change. 

‘‘The old pool site is an eyesore and we just need to get on and get it done, and there’s various other things around the town.’’ 

The former Kaikōura Lions Community Pool on Esplanade was severely damaged in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016 and has been sitting in a state of disrepair since. 

A hot pools, spa and wellness centre has been proposed for the site. Mr Anderson said he would like to address the lack of older persons' housing in the town. 

Kaikōura has an ageing population, with projections one-third of the population will be over 65 within 10 years. 

‘‘A lot of the elderly have big sections, so if they had the option, they could sell and go into a townhouse,’’ he said. 

‘‘We need the council to develop a pensioners’ village, where they are with people of a similar age and with smaller sections. 

‘‘There is a hell of a housing shortage, so it would open that up and allow people to buy their first home.’’ 

Mr Anderson said the council would need to fund it initially, but it would be paid back as pensioners buy-in. 

His wife Irene teaches English at Kaikōura High School and is the Seaward Kaikōura Lions president. 

Mr Anderson is standing for mayor in October’s local government elections against incumbent Craig Mackle and councillor John Diver. 

He previously stood for council in 2022. 

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

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