Two term Napier City Councillor Greg Mawson has confirmed he will stand again for the Napier Central Ward in this year’s local body elections, reaffirming his commitment to practical leadership, strong relationships, and community-driven progress.
First elected in 2019, Grego has established a reputation for being a hard-working, straight-talking representative who shows up; not just at the council table, but wherever people need help on the ground.
Humbled to be the top-polling candidate in Nelson Park in 2022 receiving more votes than several long-serving councillors across council despite historically low voter turnout in his ward, Greg says the result shows people appreciate a practical, no-nonsense approach.
“Local government is about listening to your community, turning up, and getting things done,” says Greg. “That’s how I’ve approached the role since day one, and if re-elected, that’s exactly how I’ll continue.”
Grego has held the Positive Ageing, Diversity, Accessibility portfolio for the past two terms, and became Deputy Chair for the Sustainable Napier (Infrastructure) Committee this term. Roles he takes seriously and actively represents through strong relationships with community groups, agencies, service providers and staff.
Whether it’s attending community stakeholder meetings or events, listening to local business owners, working with welfare partners or leading initiatives for disabled residents, Greg says progress starts with showing up, listening and following through.
“As a councillor, I don’t just read the papers, I talk with the people and communities they’re about. I make it a priority to understand the issues firsthand and keep the lines of communication open. That’s how trust is built. And having lived here since I was two, people know me, and they know I’ll front up.”
Greg’s practical mindset is grounded in his experience as an international athlete and small business owner. With a young family of his own, he understands the everyday pressures households face, and brings that awareness to his decision-making around council budgets, service delivery, and infrastructure planning.
A husband, father, and grandfather, Greg’s focus has only sharpened. “I care deeply about Napier. I want it to be safe, connected, and future-focused not just for my own family, but for every generation.”
Greg is standing again to keep pushing for common-sense progress, decisions and practical outcomes that reflect the needs of real people.
“I’m not interested in headlines or hype. I’m here to work. I’m here to listen. And I’m here to deliver.”
“Working with you, for you.”
