New Plymouth District Mayor Max Brough has confirmed Gordon Brown, Murray Chong and Moira George will rotate the position of Deputy Mayor on a six-monthly basis over the next three years.

Mayor Max says the initial choice to run three concurrent co-deputies was a well-intentioned decision that has caused confusion and is acknowledged as a step beyond what he intended.

“Apologies are offered for the confusion caused by such an innovative approach.”

The Mayor has upon reflection from community feedback and legal advice received, adopted a structure that better reflects the times of co-sharing responsibilities and workloads, while still achieving leadership development and community access to the mayor for the term.

Mayor Max says the Council sought independent legal advice which determined there was no reason more than one Deputy Mayor could not be appointed throughout the term, but that it needed to be clear when each of the people would be in that role.

Cr Chong will be in the role from 5 November this year to 30 April 2026, followed by Cr George (1 May-31 October 2026) and Cr Brown (1 November-20 April 2027). The cycle then repeats for the remainder of the term. See below:

The appointment of the deputy on rotation, and the committee structure have been made under Mayoral powers in accordance with S41A of the Local Government Act.

The Mayor has also confirmed four standing committees for the term are as follows:

• Te Huinga Taumatua – Co-chaired by Gordon Brown and [TBC by Iwi].
• Public Engagement Committee – Chairperson: Murray Chong. Deputy: John Woodward
• Going for Growth Committee – Chairperson: Moira George. Deputy: David Bublitz
• Finance, Audit and Risk Committee - will be chaired by an external appointee (yet to be recruited). Deputy: Graham Chard

During the times Crs Chong, George and Brown are in the Deputy Mayor role, they will continue as standing committee chairs.

The Council will consider and determine the remuneration structure at the December Council meeting.

The Remuneration Authority has already determined the salaries for the Mayor and Community boards so the Council will recommend pay for the other roles in line with the Authority’s requirements. The Authority will need to confirm the Council’s recommendation and gazette the final remuneration structure.

The authority sets a total pool for salaries for Councillors which much be allocated.

Find out more about on the Remuneration Authority’s website: Local government members | Remuneration Authority

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