Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon retiring after 18 years on the job

Thursday, 14 March 2019

Gisborne's mayor of 18 years, Meng Foon, will retire from local politics at the end of his term this year.

Foon announced his retirement on Thursday, after nearly two decades in the position.

He was first elected as a councillor for the district in 1995, before being elected mayor in 2001.

'Both Ying and I wish to sincerely thank our Tairāwhiti community for all the support they have given us over the last 24 years in local government,' Foon said in a statement.

Mayor Meng Foon will retire as mayor of Gisborne at the end of his term this year.

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Foon is the only mayor in New Zealand fluent in te reo Māori.

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'We have had many experiences together with our communities, and especially thanks to our close-knit friends who have given guidance and support.'

Foon had worked with four chief executives, six different make-ups of councils and three deputy mayors.

His highlights, he said, had been engaging with Tairāwhiti's diverse ethnic communities, and supporting local businesses.

But a key highlight was building a wastewater treatment plant, 'under budget and on time', after 50 years of sewage flowing into Tairāwhiti seas.

Foon was first elected as mayor of Gisborne in 2001.

Foon is fluent in te reo Māori, Cantonese and English. As at last year, Foon was the only New Zealand mayor fluent in te reo.

With Tairāwhiti's high Māori population, it had helped him understand and participate with Māori communities, he said.

Prior to entering governance he had a decades-long background in horticulture, retail, marketing and investment.

'There is a saying that this is a thankless job, but I can put my hand on heart and say that the good people outweigh the few negatives.

'Ying and I aren't leaving town, we are staying put as this is our home, our community and we want to continue to support it. We will soon have two mokos in London and look forward to spoiling them.

'I might even have time to write an autobiography in Menglish. Many have told me there is a life after the mayor, one door closes and another door opens.'

Gisborne's deputy mayor, Rehette Stoltz, said Foon had served the region well for the past 24 years.

'In my two terms as deputy, I have learned from Meng the importance of relationships when serving our region. I am sure Meng has exciting ventures lined up for his future. I wish him and Ying all the best.'

Stoltz announced her bid for the Gisborne mayoralty two weeks ago.

Local Government New Zealand president Dave Cull said Foon was a 'tremendous champion for the Tairāwhiti region'.

'[He's] a real connector of people and cultures. I commend him for his public service over the last 24 years, as both a councillor and mayor. Ka pai Meng.'

Stephen Jacobi, executive director of the New Zealand China Council, said Foon was an 'outstanding leader', who had been able to 'bridge cultures in an extraordinary way'.

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