Central Otago’s new mayor Tamah Alley says she has the “best job in the world’’.

The newly appointed mayor spoke to The Outlet about her unique journey from a decade in the police force to leading a rapidly growing region. 

Mayor Tamah said her career in the police taught her invaluable skills such as developing a thick skin and making courageous decisions. 

The transition from law enforcement to governance was fueled by a strong service drive - and the mayoralty had not been a consideration.

“When I first put my hand up to become an elected member this is not where I thought my path was heading, but you know, things change, opportunities arrive.

‘’I try to be the first one . . . to take up opportunities and kind of push yourself out there and be challenged and be interested in the role that you’re doing, and I think that’s what lots of us want from our day jobs,’’ she said.

The dual nature of rapid growth in Central Otago, seen as both a challenge and an opportunity, and there were complexities in engaging the community in decision-making, given the vast amount of information council members must process. 

“I think the biggest challenge has been bringing our communities on a journey - I think loads of people feel shut out of the decision making around the council table and their ability to have a say and influence the decision that we make,’’ she said.

Listen to the full interview on The Outlet,