It is an incredible honour to have been elected as your Mayor, and I am deeply grateful for the trust our communities have placed in me and this new Council.
This result reflects a shared belief in building a stronger, more empowered and more affordable future together. Now, the work begins.
Across our district, I heard the same themes throughout the campaign: people want a Council that is transparent, accountable and focused on getting the basics right. They want rates that are fair and services that deliver real value. They want a genuine opportunity to be part of making the decisions right from the outset that concern the places and spaces they live in.
In the weeks ahead, I will be meeting with community boards, local committees, iwi and residents to strengthen the connection between Council and community. I’m here to listen and learn what really matters most to you. We will also be exploring new ways for people to take part in local decision-making, including a new public forum opportunity ahead of main Council meetings and we will be exploring if we can hold our meetings in different parts of the District over the year without adding undue cost or losing the livestreaming and recordings that is important for accessibility and transparency. Further opportunities for citizen assemblies will follow along with a strengthened local delegation for Ward Councillors.
As this new Council gets to work in the coming triennium, we will also look closely at how we can deliver services more efficiently. Shared services with neighbouring councils and smarter use of technology are just some of the ways we can make sure every dollar works harder for our district.
Together, we can shape a Council that listens, acts, and always puts communities first.
About Mayor Aksel Bech
Born in Denmark and raised in the New Zealand from age 14, Aksel Bech has called the district home for more than 30 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Massey University and a Master of Social Science from the University of Waikato, along with being an accredited dispute resolution mediator.
Before entering local government, Aksel built a successful career in business including being part of a management buy-out of NDA Engineering a stainless steel fabrication company and large exporter with workshops that grew to operate across New Zealand, Australia, and China at that time.
He first served on the Waikato District Council as a councillor and Deputy Mayor, and is passionate about empowering community voice, choice and control to ensure affordable, effective local services.
Aksel and his wife Susan live in the Matangi/Tamahere area and are proud to call the Waikato district home.
