Andrew Judd is the former mayor of New Plymouth and a staunch supporter of Māori wards.
Following two terms as a councillor, as mayor, Andrew strongly championed the establishment of a Māori ward in New Plymouth to enhance representation and elevate iwi involvement in council decision-making. He called for all councils in New Zealand to strive for up to 50% Māori representation, recognising the importance of indigenous voices in local governance.
Describing himself as a recovering racist, Andrew demonstrates a commitment to reconciliation, inclusivity, and social justice, highlighting the transformative power of acknowledging and addressing systemic racism.