Aksel Bech has stormed home to become the new Mayor of the Waikato District, defeating Jacqui Church by more than two to one in the provisional count. This marks a decisive change in leadership, signalling that voters across the district want a serious rethink of how local government operates.
According to provisional results, Bech secured 10,268 votes to Church’s 5,821, a margin clearly demontrstating the appetite for fiscal discipline and accountability. The ripple effect was also felt down the ticket, with incumbents Mike Keir and Crystal Beavis losing ground; Beavis narrowly stayed ahead of ACT candidate Peter Mayall. It’s clear the electorate wanted new faces and new ideas around the council table.
Aksel Bech campaigned on a platform centred on restoring economic soundness, tackling the rising cost of local governance, and putting a stop to relentless annual rate increases. He argued that Waikato District’s debt had ballooned in recent years, from around $178 million to a projected $347 million and that the council had lost touch with its core purpose: serving communities, not managing them. For Aksel Bech, the solution lies in smarter, shared services across neighbouring councils, less duplication, and a more restrained approach to spending on staff, consultants, and non-essential capital projects.
Throughout the campaign, Aksel Bech struck a chord with ratepayers frustrated by what many saw as excessive bureaucracy and runaway costs. He promised a return to basics showing transparency, efficiency, and accountability, while ensuring communities like Tamahere have greater voice, choice, and control over local priorities. “Council must serve, not rule,” was his consistent message, and it clearly resonated.
The real challenge begins now. Aksel Bech inherits a district facing mounting infrastructure demands, growing populations, and tightening budgets. Delivering on his promise to rein in rates without stalling essential projects will require delicate balancing and firm leadership. For Tamahere residents, this result could mean a more responsive council, but it will also require us to stay engaged, vocal, and constructive.
Aksel Bech’s landslide victory isn’t just a political win; it’s a public demand for change. Whether that change translates into lasting reform and real relief for ratepayers, will depend on how swiftly words turn into action.
