Teen announces plans to join mayoral race

A young Pōkeno man will throw his hat into the ring for Waikato District’s mayoralty.

Fabio Rodrigues has announced he will be running for Mayor of Waikato District and councillor for the Tuakau-Pōkeno ward in this year’s local body elections.

“As a 19-year-old candidate who arrived in New Zealand at age eight and grew up right here in Franklin, I’m passionate about restoring the promise that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can thrive in this country — especially in places like Pōkeno and Tuakau.”

Rodrigues is a second-year student at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), studying law and political science. He has also been a member of Young Nats for the past five years.

“I’ve been part of two general elections; this last one, I was working alongside Andrew Bayly.”

Rodrigues said this election is going to be about people’s pockets.

“When I came to New Zealand from South Africa, it was almost a promise from the local
government that no matter who you are and where you come from, if you keep your nose clean and work really hard, then you can actually get a good life here. You can actually afford a house and feed yourself, and now that promise is completely shattered.

“Nobody can afford to get ahead, no matter what government it is … when council comes to you and says the rates bills are going to go higher and higher, and you see nothing for it, I believe that’s what people are really frustrated about.”

Former deputy mayor Aksel Bech and incumbent Jacqui Church have already announced their intentions to vie for the mayoralty and registered their nominations. Rodrigues has yet to register for the mayoralty but is a nominee for the Tuakau-Pōkeno ward.

Rodrigues said he decided to stand for mayor because the district is broken.

“Pokeno is one of the fastest-growing towns … it’s the number one guide on how not to build a town. The Waikato District Council has fumbled the ball in Pōkeno, especially.

They’re very happy to take your rates and one of the larger towns, but people are asking what are you doing for us?”

Everything seems like it is 10 years away, he said.

“Ten years ago, we were meant to be having a train station here; there’s been no sign of that happening.”