Mayor of Selwyn District

Sam was re-elected as Mayor of Waikirirkiri Selwyn in 2019 and 2022, he has been part of local government since he first became a councillor in 2010. Sam has a vision for local government that builds on the solid foundations that he acknowledges has been laid by those that have gone before him. He has a passion to engage with people to understand their aspirations and to support their growth and wellbeing. When he was elected Mayor in 2016 he said ‘the way that we get face to face with people is really important’ and he continues that philosophy today.

With his rural and youth work background Sam has a strong environmental focus and has been instrumental in leading his council through the approval of its first formal climate change policy. Sam was also the leader of the Canterbury Mayoral Forum, the chair of Takiwā Tuarima (Zone 5, the Local Government body representing eighteen Councils across the South Island), and one of twelve Mayors who sit on LGNZ National Council. In these roles Sam is perusing his desire to see New Zealand prosper and to influence Government decision making surrounding issues that affect the daily lives of all those that live in Aotearoa.

Sam was elected President of LGNZ in July 2023.

Sam lives in Darfield with his wife Liz and daughter Elliott. He enjoys friends’ road trips on his motorbike, playing the guitar and spending time with his family. He has a passion for cricket and has dabbled in lawn bowls and loves 1990’s pop.