Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon has confirmed he will stand for re-election in this year’s local body elections.

Gordon said seeking another term was an easy decision, as he leads a hard-working council and remains committed to addressing the challenges of one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing districts.

“I love this job,” Gordon said. “We’ve got a great council team, dedicated staff, and I get to work with many wonderful people who do so much for their communities.”

He said Waimakariri continues to face pressure from rapid growth, and key projects remain a focus, including the proposed Eastern Link bypass, upgrades to Flaxton Road, and the replacement of Skew Bridge. Gordon also said he was committed to supporting the ongoing regeneration of Kaiapoi’s earthquake-damaged areas.

During the Three Waters reform debate, Gordon took a national leadership role as Co-Chair of Communities 4 Local Democracy, a group of 31 councils opposing the former Government’s plans. He said the group’s efforts helped protect local control over water assets.

Gordon also represents Waimakariri on the national stage as Chair of Zone 5 for Local Government New Zealand and sits on LGNZ’s National Council.

He was named New Zealand’s most popular mayor in the 2024 Taxpayers’ Union poll and placed second in the 2025 results.

Under his leadership, Waimakariri’s rate increases have remained among the lowest in the country. This year’s increase of 4.98 percent is one of the lowest in Canterbury.

Gordon said a major achievement during his term was helping restart a stalled after-hours medical facility at the Rangiora Health Hub, after council stepped in to support the project.

“There’s still more work to do,” Gordon said. “I’m always available and visible in the community, and I want to keep working hard for our district.”