Journalist to stand for mayoralty

• Published date: 23 June 2022
• Publication title: Southland Express

Mrs Pickett said her more than 30-year career gave her a unique insight into the people and issues Southland faces as well as a good understanding of council

While she did not have all the answers, she had the ability to ask the right questions.

‘‘Having reported on countless council and committee meetings, you could say I have spent the past 30 years ‘keeping the bastards honest’.

‘‘I feel it’s now time to step up to become an active contributor to serving our district.’’

The proposed Local Government reform was a key issue for her as the regional democracy and governance was about to enter a period of change on an unprecedented scale.

‘‘One of the issues we need to talk about is the merit, or otherwise, of championing one territorial authority for Southland.

‘‘I also want to lead a repositioning of the Southland District Council as...