A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Let's Keep Things Moving South Waikato
Meet Gary “Puku” Petley
Gary Petley is a proud South Waikato local, born and raised in Putāruru, with deep roots in the district and a lifetime of real experience behind him. Of Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Mutunga descent, Gary has spent decades working across the region from the bush and the Kinleith Mill to running a small business with his wife in Tīrau.
For the past three years, he’s served as Mayor of the South Waikato District Council, leading through challenges, making tough but necessary calls, and always staying grounded in the values of the people he represents.
A whānau man with strong ties to local schools, clubs, and community spaces, Gary knows the people, the pressure, and the potential of this place, and he’s standing again to keep building a stronger South Waikato for generations to come.
Get the Full Story on What Gary's Been Working on this Term
