The experience of Stratford’s mayor Neil Volzke shone through during the central Taranaki town’s one and only mayoral debate on Wednesday night.
Elected unopposed in 2022, Stratford’s longstanding mayor Neil Volzke is relishing the challenge of having a rival for his seat this time - he just wishes they had more chances to go head-to-head.
Candidates have tripled in contests for Inglewood and Waitara's general wards, and Stratford's Māori ward, spotlighting stronger competition for Taranaki seats in this year's local elections. Most wards and constituencies have more candidates than 2022, countering the trend of ever-lower engagement with local democracy.
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