Cats and council chambers
Recently engaged to be married and newly elected for a third term, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon is a man with plans.
Words Tamara Pitelen
Just when you thought life couldn’t get any busier for Dan Gordon – three-term mayor of Waimakariri, vice president of Local Government New Zealand, and a familiar face around North Canterbury – along comes wedding plans, two merging households, and a delicate feline diplomacy mission.
“I’m quite private about my personal life,” Dan says, “but I’m very happy to say that I recently got engaged to a lovely, lovely woman. Her name is Sarah, and we’re excited about building a life together. “We haven’t set a firm date for the wedding yet, but probably within the next two years. We just want to enjoy being engaged for now.” That enjoyment currently includes the very real work of merging two homes. “Trying to get the contents of two houses into one takes quite a bit of effort,” he admits. Then there are the cats. Gordon’s ragdoll, Rupert, has now met Sarah’s tabby, Watson, a rescue from the Christchurch Catnap Café. “That’s been an interesting engagement, shall we say,” he says. “They’re not exactly best mates yet, but they’re getting to know each other. Hopefully, they’ll become best pals in no time.”
PURRFECT PARTNERS
“I’m in my 21st year as an elected member. It’s a busy job, so it’s not always easy to meet somebody,” he says. “I was fortunate in that some very close friends of ours decided we’d be a good match. The rest is history.” One of his supposed selling points to Sarah? “That I liked cats.”
When you know, you know, says Dan. “Deciding to ask someone to marry you is not something you take lightly. But with Sarah, it was logical because she’s perfect for me.”
While his personal life has taken a happy turn, Dan has also come through a challenging election campaign. “It was a robust contest,” he says diplomatically. “There were aspects that were pretty tough and a bit personal, but that’s behind us now. I was really humbled by the result. Myself, and the council, now have a strong mandate to get on and deliver for our community.”
Dan is clear-eyed about what that delivery involves: managing growth, tackling congestion, maintaining services, and keeping rates affordable. “Our community expect us to deliver,” he says, “but also to ensure rates affordability, which is a challenge.”
Despite earthquakes, weather events, and sweeping government reforms, Dan is proud of what Waimakariri has achieved. “We’ve invested very heavily in infrastructure and will continue to do so,” he says. From three waters reform to long-term planning and transport links, it’s a complex puzzle and one he doesn’t underestimate. “Change like that is huge. It requires an enormous effort from our staff.”
BUILDING BRIDGES
Ask him what excites him most, though, and Dan doesn’t hesitate. “The wonderful lifestyle we have here,” he says. A recent Christmas staycation reminded him of just how special the district is. “From the mountains to the sea, we have everything in between. People come here because they’ve heard about our great lifestyle; we’ve never had to advertise to get people here.” He’s especially excited about Kaiapoi’s future, including river developments.
“The potential around the river is something I love. I think it’s a real jewel in our crown. There’s a mixed-use area that we’re working on now alongside the developer, which I’m really excited to see happen. In particular, I’m passionate about the Kaiapoi Bridge restoration. The sides of the bridge will be replaced with a lighter-weight material that lightens the bridge but also introduces some beautiful artwork and local storytelling.”
The restoration of Kaiapoi Bridge was made possible by a donation from the late Harry Harper, a local Kaiapoi legend. “I’ve worked closely with the Harper family on this; it wouldn’t have happened without that generous bequest,” he says.
For Dan, the bridge represents something significant. “This really is the final major post-earthquake project for our district,” he says. “When it’s finished, it completes that chapter of recovery. When I think back to the earthquakes and the challenges that we’ve had, I’m proud of all that we’ve developed together and how far we’ve come.”
Quickfire with Dan
Coffee or tea? Coffee. Flat white. About four of them a day. And I like a shot of vanilla in them.
Your favourite local breakfast spot? I have two. Paris for the Weekend in Kaiapoi, and the Office Café in the Old School Collective at Waikuku.
Last movie you watched? Nuremberg with Russell Crowe.
Book you’re reading? Mana by Tāme Iti.
Favourite podcast? I listen very regularly to The Rest Is Politics podcast. I like it because it’s got balance, and I’m interested in international politics, so it just gives me a broader perspective.
Your signature dish? I do a mean lamb rack with new potatoes and this time of the year asparagus from the garden – does the trick and is my personal favourite.
Exercise? I’m a walker. Sarah and I both enjoy a big walk. Although we’ve talked about joining the gym this year, too.
