New Deputy Mayor and portfolio structure for Gore District Council

Gore District Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Deputy Mayor and portfolio leads for the new council term.

Mayor Ben Bell has appointed Councillor Joe Stringer as Deputy Mayor. Mr Stringer, a prominent businessman and second-term councillor representing the district at large, brings strong rural and business ties to the role.

"I am delighted to appoint Councillor Stringer to the role of Deputy Mayor," said Mr Bell, "His business acumen and deep understanding of both our rural communities and commercial sector make him an ideal choice for this role.”

Mr Bell said it was a difficult choice thanks to voters electing a high calibre of councillors this term. "It ultimately came down to who could step up when I'm away, while ensuring our strongest people were leading in their specialist areas. All our portfolio holders would excel as deputy, but I'm excited to have each of them focused where they'll deliver the most value."

The new council will implement a streamlined governance structure, moving away from the previous committees to portfolios. Council meetings will continue to be monthly, while Risk and Assurance, will be bi-monthly.

The change is designed to simplify council, while making it easier for residents and business owners to contact the right councillor to raise issues with. "We have listened and learned from the previous term," Mr Bell said. "By moving to a more streamlined structure and reducing duplication, we can ensure our team is focused on delivering for our community rather than tied up in multiple committee meetings."

Portfolio appointments The following portfolio leads are to be appointed, working in paired groupings:

Regional relationships

• Councillor Neville Phillips – Regional Relationships (backed up by the mayor).

Infrastructure and assets

• Councillor John Gardyne (lead) – Infrastructure
• Councillor Stewart MacDonnell (co-lead) – Assets.

Arts and recreation

• Councillor Andy Fraser (lead) – Recreation
• Councillor Paul McPhail (co-lead) – Arts

Community and grants

• Councillor Nicky Coats (lead) – Community
• Councillor Robert McKenzie (co-lead) – Grants

The Risk and Assurance Committee will operate with an independent chair, yet to be appointed.

"This is an exceptionally capable team, voters have spoiled us with choice this term," Mayor Bell said. "Each councillor brings unique strengths to their portfolio, and the collaborative nature of our paired structure will ensure we're considering all angles. I'm confident this structure will deliver better outcomes for our ratepayers while being more effective and efficient."

The portfolio structure and appointments will be formally confirmed at the inaugural council meeting on November 18, 2025.