Mayor Tamah Alley was elected to be the leader of Central Otago District, position left vacant by former mayor Tim Cadogan, on October 30, 2024. Becoming the first female mayor, her appointment was made with no debate and the decision was unanimous. We saw several factors making all distinguished figures agree to her leadership in Central Otago District.
First was the inaugural Porirua City Council Leadership Award that she received when graduating from Police College in 2009, reflecting her contributions and capacity. Following the award, her Police career sky-rocketed to Detective Superintendent position. Her entrance into local governance role commenced as a Councillor of Central Otago, becoming one of the youngest figures for the position in the area. Leaving her 12 years of police experience, she saw an opportunity to extend her contributions beyond her work with youth and communities, besides also cheering up for the intergenerational aspect of local government.
“Many people want the government to be involved in their lives as little as possible – I think this happens best when local government is doing such a great job in our communities that people don’t have to think about the fact they are ‘engaging’ with us — it just happens,” she said (LGNZ.co.nz). Media reported that her appointment marks a significant milestone for the local government in Central Otago. With the given opportunity, Mayor Tamah Alley now has what it takes to improve and make the area better for local people.
Sources:
https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360469426/former-cop-becomes-first-female-mayor-central-otago
https://www.codc.govt.nz/your-council/news?item=id:2rzm7erft1cxbyq3eyx5
https://www.lgnz.co.nz/events-networking/groups-networks/zone-groups/zone-six/tamah-alley/
https://crux.org.nz/crux-news/new-mayor-tamah-alley-chosen-by-councillors
https://crux.org.nz/crux-news/councillors-close-ranks-on-who-central-otagos-next-mayor-may-be
https://centralapp.nz/NewsStory/tamah-alley-new-central-otago-mayor/67214ca38157e4002e4624fe
https://www.newsminimalist.com/articles/tamah-alley-becomes-central-otagos-first-female-mayor-2fe76817
https://tamahalley.co.nz/
Photos:
https://www.lgnz.co.nz/events-networking/groups-networks/zone-groups/zone-six/tamah-alley/
https://www.newzealand.com/ca/feature/top-experiences-in-central-otago/
