Mayor of Stratford, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mayor of Stratford |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) Neil Volzke since 2009 |
|
| Style | His/Her Worship |
| Term length | Three years, renewable |
| Deputy | Min McKay |
| Salary | $105,503 |
| Website | Official website: https://www.stratford.govt.nz/our-council/mayor-and-elected-members |
The Mayor of Stratford is the main leader of the Stratford District Council. This person is chosen directly by the people of Stratford. They use a voting system called "first-past-the-post." This means the candidate with the most votes wins.
The current mayor is Neil Volzke. He was first elected as mayor in 2009. This happened in a special election after the previous mayor, John Edwards, passed away.
How Stratford's Council Began
The first group that looked after Stratford was the Stratford Town Board. It started in 1882. Later, in 1890, the Stratford County Council was formed. The Stratford Borough Council was created on 22 July 1898.
These two councils, the county and borough, joined together. This happened on 1 April 1989. They formed the Stratford District Council. This new council was part of a big change across New Zealand. This change happened in local government in 1989.
Who Has Been Mayor of Stratford?
Stratford has had 24 mayors over the years. Here is a list of the people who have served as mayor:
| Name | Term | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Newsham Curtis | 1882–1885 |
| 2 | Charles Curtis | 1885–1890 |
| 3 | Ebenezer Burgess | 1890–1892 |
| 4 | William Loftus Tocker | 1892–1894 |
| 5 | J. B. Patton | 1894–1896 |
| (3) | Ebenezer Burgess | 1896–1898 |
| 6 | Harry Norman Liardet | 1898–1899 |
| 7 | Frederick Jeffray Steuart | 1900–1901 |
| 8 | Reginald Brooking Tatton | 1901–1902 |
| (6) | Harry Norman Liardet | 1902–1903 |
| 9 | Nathaniel John King | 1903–1907 |
| 10 | Pilcher Frederick Ralfe | 1907–1908 |
| 11 | George A. Sangster | 1908–1910 |
| 12 | Jonas Masters | 1910–1912 |
| 13 | William Patrick Kirkwood | 1912–1915 |
| 14 | Josephiah Wedgwood Boon | 1915–1917 |
| 15 | James Watson McMillan | 1917–1929 |
| 16 | Percy Thomson | 1929–1933 |
| (15) | James Watson McMillan | 1933–1938 |
| (16) | Percy Thomson | 1938–1947 |
| 17 | Norman Harold Moss | 1947–1957 |
| 18 | George Boon | 1957–1971 |
| 19 | Leo Carrington | 1971–1986 |
| 20 | Lachlan Grant Bond | 1986–1989 |
| 21 | David Walter | 1989–1998 |
| 22 | Brian Jeffares | 1998–2007 |
| 23 | John Edwards | 2007–2009 |
| 24 | Neil Volzke | 2009–present |
Who Has Been Deputy Mayor?
The deputy mayor helps the mayor. Here is a list of the deputy mayors of Stratford:
| Name | Term | Mayor |
|---|---|---|
| John Edwards | 1998–2007 | Jeffares |
| Neil Volzke | 2007–2009 | Edwards |
| Roger Hignett | 2009–2013 | Volzke |
| Alan Jamieson | 2013–2022 | |
| Min McKay | 2022–present |
