Gary Tong Pulls Pin On ICC Mayoral Race, Standing For Reelection of SDC Mayor

Harold Wilson – once Prime Minister of England – once said “a week is a long time in politics”, I would like to change that to an ‘hour is a long time in politics’.

In a few short moments things can change one’s thoughts, and with that, one’s direction in life. That is certainly true and I have recently had such a epiphany and have made a critical decision to not stand in the upcoming local body elections for Mayor of the Invercargill City Council.

I will however be standing for re-election as Mayor for the Southland District Council.

This decision has not been made lightly. It comes on the back of things I have observed in the last few weeks within our communities and local government.

Individuals from various walks of life and for whom I have great respect have encouraged me to reconsider my intent to stand for the city. Sitting down with these like minded people made me realise the importance of continuity at this unsettling time.

I have therefore considered this wholly from the perspective of both councils and the future of our province.

Our communities, staff and elected members are in survival or recovery mode post an unprecedented and extended period of exposure to the various pressures of Covid.

Along with this are the central government reforms either underway or being proposed.

With the benefit of experience and hindsight I don’t believe this is a time for SDC to be inducting a new Mayor to take on the leadership and responsibility of ensuring nothing is missed.

I am an experienced Mayor with extensive knowledge of what is happening, what needs to happen and what is going to happen therefore the transition post the elections will be short and I will hit the ground running.

This could be said to being elected to the Invercargill City Council however my heart, knowledge, respect and genuine focus is Murihiku Southland. I would like to acknowledge the support I have had from Invercargill ratepayers to date however I will leave it up to the voters in the Southland District to decide. Take care everyone.