Kia Ora, I’m Orphée Mickalad
I’m running to become the Mayor of Palmerston North!
I am running for Mayor because I believe that Palmerston North is at a turning point, and we need a change of leadership, direction, and approach.
💚PALMYPROUD
This isn’t about just managing the status quo. It’s about setting a clear direction for where our city can go.
Grounded in lived experience, civic leadership, and a deep love for the city, I am standing to offer practical, forward-thinking leadership that delivers on Palmerston North’s potential.
At present, Palmerston North is facing mounting pressures, from rising rates and housing costs to climate challenges, ageing infrastructure and sweeping central government reforms. These issues demand not just management, but leadership with a clear plan. With the cost of living biting hard, Palmerston North is becoming increasingly unaffordable for families, for businesses and for residents on fixed incomes.
I believe that more needs to be done to ease the burden on ratepayers and protect the things that make our city so unique.
My campaign will focus on:
Diversifying Council’s revenue streams and introducing targeted user-pays for non-essential services to reduce cost pressures on ratepayers.
Lobbying central government to get the best investment deals for Palmerston North.
Strengthening our Emergency Management preparedness and climate resilience.
Reducing the number of councillors and committees to streamline decision-making.
Improving Council performance, transparency and value for money.
Supporting housing growth and economic development.
Upgrading infrastructure, especially roads and footpaths.
Progress is never a straight line.
Since February 2021, I had the privilege of being elected as a Palmerston North’s City Councillor.
I bring fresh perspectives and a deep commitment to making our city an even better place to live and thrive. My experience as a Councillor has demonstrated my ability to be an effective voice and a dedicated team player, and as Mayor, I will leverage this foundation to provide the collaborative leadership needed to not only maintain our city's momentum but to propel it forward for the benefit of all residents.
What is it like to be a City Councillor?
Every day for each councillor is a new challenge. Come with me into Palmy City Council as I explore and work through the unique challenges of this moment in time.
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The Governance side of Council comprises fifteen elected councillors, plus the mayor. They make decisions about the direction of the city through a series of specialized committees and general council meetings.
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The Executive wing of Council finds ways to achieve the direction set by council. They’re comprised of all the people that make the city tick - road workers, gardeners, civil engineers, etc.
Inside PNCC.
Our
Story.
Stop the brain drain.
Our youth will inherit the future of our city. It is therefore important that we engage them in the political process. I am committed to be a councillor with an eye on the future — governing in our current environment but with a focus on enhancing Palmy’s long-term success.
Right now, many young people feel like they must leave Palmy for other cities to access opportunities and to fulfil their potential. It doesn’t have to be this way. Our biggest export should not be our young and brightest. We need to invest in opportunities so that everyone has the choice to pursue their dreams at home.
I am keen to see more young people connecting with local politics, and I believe that this would work better if people saw more diversity in ages and cultures on the council.
Bring it home.
Click to see my Priorities