Central Otago was in a unique position to now have two local representatives on the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) executive from one council.

Councillor Tamah Alley was recently appointed chair of Zone 6 - incorporating all of the councils from Waitaki south - including the Otago Regional Council, and replacing Bryan Cadogan.

The Clutha District Mayor has announced this would be his last term, which brought about a vacant role for the rest of the term on the LGNZ executive committee. 

His brother Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan is also on the Zone 6 committee and the representative for the national council of LGNZ.

“Central Otago is punching well above its weight in terms of representation on a national scale,” Tamah said.

A former police officer, Tamah said she brings perseverance, patience and persuasion to her new role, and was not afraid to have serious conversations, “or hold the line to a point that needs to be made.”

“It’s much easier to get things done in this world if you’re a collaborator rather than a bulldozer.”

Her proven capabilities in high stress situations and managing big egos has already come in handy in the world of local politics, and in her new role as Zone 6 chair she’ll be mixing with many different personalities - from Invercargill City Mayor Nobby Clark through to new Queenstown Lakes Mayor Glyn Lewers.

Her role will also involve supporting other elected members to work together, combining everyone’s strengths and knowledge, as well as further across the Zone 6 boundary - sharing information with representatives from numerous councils.

“I think it’s really important that we build a community whereby lots of people want to stand to help democracy survive in our communities. And, that’s only going to work if we support people once they get there . . . so they don’t feel isolated and in the deep end."

To hear more about the work Tamah is doing, listen to this week's The Outlet podcast.