Mackenzie District mayor formally steps down

Monday, 21 July 2025

Mackenzie’s mayor has announced she is stepping down from the role as uncertainty around her health means she cannot fully commit to serving her community in the years ahead.

Anne Munro, who was elected as Mackenzie District mayor in 2022 having served two terms as an elected councillor from 2016, announced in January she was taking some time away from the position to undergo treatment for cancer. She had been diagnosed just before Christmas.

Deputy mayor Karen Morgan would carry out her responsibilities in her absence, she said at the time.

However, in a statement issued on Monday, Munro said while her treatment was ongoing, the prognosis remained uncertain.

“Late last year I shared the difficult news that I have cancer which testing confirmed to be metastatic,’’ she said.

“During my extended leave from mayoral duties, council has been navigating a time of significant change — particularly in determining what Local Water Done Well, the Government’s water reform programme, means for the Mackenzie District.

“As this period of leave draws to a close, I’ve had to make two important decisions: whether to return and serve the remaining months of my term as mayor, and whether to stand for re-election in October.’’

Munro said while she had stayed up to date with council business, the work it did was complex and fast-moving.

“I’m simply not across the level of detail needed to provide the leadership our council and community deserve at this critical time.

“It is with a heavy heart, therefore, and in the interest of continuity and stable leadership, that I have decided to formally step aside as mayor.’’

She had asked Morgan to continue acting in the role until the outcome of October’s election was known.

“Given the uncertainty surrounding my health, I cannot fully commit to serving our community in the years ahead, and so I will not be seeking re-election in October.’’

She thanked the council’s management and staff.

“Without your efforts, many of us would have no water in our taps, no roads to drive on, and no shared community spaces to enjoy.

“Few outside the organisation truly appreciate the breadth and complexity of the responsibilities council carries every day.’’

She thanked her fellow elected members for their time, energy, and unwavering commitment to the community and Morgan “who has led with calm and capable hands during my absence’’.

“I have every confidence she will continue to guide council with strength and integrity through the remainder of this term.’’

She also thanked residents and ratepayers for their support.

“Even when not every decision was met with universal agreement, your passion for the Mackenzie, its landscapes, its people, and its future, has always shone through.

“It’s that passion that makes this place so special.’’

She said she had never expected to be in the position she was in, and it was not “how I imagined my time in local government would come to an end’’.

“But perhaps it’s a reminder that change is life’s only constant.

“We can’t always control what comes our way, but we can choose how we respond. Politics, even at the local level, can at times be divisive.’’

Her hope was the community could continue to meet challenges with open minds, respectful debate focused on the issues not the individuals, “and a spirit that celebrates both our differences and the values we share’’.

“The Mackenzie is a unique district and a truly special community. It has been the greatest honour and privilege to serve as your mayor.’’