Nobby Clark not impressed by brother's surprise mayoral bid
Photo:
RNZ / REECE BAKER
Invercargill mayor Nobby Clark is not backing his brother's attempt to take over his job when he finishes up this election.
Nelson-based Andrew Clark is running for mayor in the southern city while simultaneously standing for Tasman district mayor.
Up there, he is running as Maxwell Clark.
The move has irked big brother Nobby, who is finishing up as mayor after just one term at the helm.
"I do not support my brother's nomination," mayor Clark told Local Democracy Reporting.
"Why is he using Andrew and not using his known name (Maxwell) - while he is also standing for the Tasman mayoralty for the fifth time?"
Andrew Clark said he told Nobby he was running for mayor on Thursday after his nomination went in.
He hadn't said anything earlier because he didn't want to rely on "connections".
It could be difficult to get hold of Nobby, he said, and he didn't want to overload him in light of recent health issues.
Andrew Clark, who also goes by middle name Maxwell, is standing for mayor at opposite ends of the South Island.
Photo:
Supplied
The Invercargill mayor was hospitalised in late June following a minor stroke.
Andrew wasn't sure why his brother hadn't taken the news well, but said the two were conversing.
"I think there's a lot of stresses and strains in his life," he said.
As for Invercargill, Andrew said he had been there "a few times" and would move down if successful.
"I have a belief that ratepayers should come front and centre, and as a mayor I would treat the public's money in the same way I treat my own - carefully, intentionally and with accountability."
The mayoral hopeful is not completely unfamiliar to council.
At a June 2024 meeting, he surprised elected members by making his way to the table mid-meeting to introduce himself and thank them for being supportive in a time of need.
Mayor Clark was under fire at the time for a code of conduct matter relating to comments he'd made at a private event a few months earlier.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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