Mayor of Matamata-Piako

The mayor of Matamata-Piako officiates over the Matamata-Piako District of New Zealand's North Island.[4]

Mayor of Matamata-Piako
Incumbent
Ash Tanner[1]
since 16 October 2025
StyleHis/Her Worship
Member ofMatamata-Piako District Council
SeatTe Aroha
Term length3 years, renewable
Formation1989
DeputyJames Sainsbury[2]
Salary$134,533 [3]
WebsiteOfficial website

Ash Tanner is the current mayor of Matamata-Piako.[1] Tanner was elected in the 2025 local elections,[5] having previously served as mayor for the district from 2019 until he stood down in 2022.[6][7]

List of mayors

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Since its formation in 1989, Matamata-Piako District has had five mayors, with one holding the position on two non-consecutive occasions. The following is a complete list:

Name Portrait Term
1 Ken Thomas 1989–1998[8]
2 Hugh Vercoe 1998–2013[9]
3 Jan Barnes 2013–2019[10]
4 Ash Tanner 2019–2022[11]
5 Adrienne Wilcock 2022–2025[12]
(4) Ash Tanner 2025–present[1]


References

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  1. 1 2 3 "2025 Triennial Elections Declaration of Result" (PDF). Electionz. Retrieved 18 October 2025.
  2. "Councillors and Mayor Profiles". mpdc.govt.nz. Matamata-Piako District Council. Retrieved 30 March 2026.
  3. Edmunds, Susan (13 June 2024). "How much your local council gets paid". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  4. "Councillors and Mayor". mpdc.govt.nz. Matamata-Piako District Council.
  5. Bathgate, Benn (15 October 2025). "V8 oil changes to golf with ministers: 'Maverick mayor' Ash Tanner is back". Waikato Times. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
  6. Martin, Matthew (10 July 2025). "'Maverick mayor' Ash Tanner looks to ride again". Waikato Times. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
  7. Rolleston, Te Aorewa (21 March 2022). "Maverick Matamata-Piako mayor hangs up his hat: 'It's time for me to step aside'". Stuff. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
  8. Burke, Roy (22 July 2015). "Piako's Ken Thomas dies at age 86". Waikato Times. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  9. "Vercoe steps down as mayor". Waikato Times. 13 March 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  10. Blommerde, Chloe (8 January 2021). "Matamata-Piako's only female mayor appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit". Waikato Times. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  11. Hope, Sharnae (14 October 2019). "Matamata-Piako candidate Ash Tanner's landslide win to mayorality". Piako Post. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  12. "Local elections 2022: Matamata-Piako elected Adrienne Wilcock as new mayor". New Zealand Herald. 14 October 2022.