Thames-Coromandel mayor denies anti-vax controversy behind retirement

Thames-Coromandel mayor Sandra Goudie has denied controversy around her anti-vaccine stance is behind her decision to not stand for the role in the next local election.

Thames-Coromandel mayor Sandra Goudie
Photo: SUPPLIED

After a long 36-years in public office, Thames-Coromandel mayor Sandra Goudie has decided not to stand for the role in the next local election.

“I’ve been in for a long time and I’m not getting any younger so I think it’s time to take some time out and spend it with family and friends and just chill (and) go fishing,” Goudie told RNZ.

Last year, Sandra Goudie said she was not getting the Pfizer vaccine because she was waiting for Novavax injections instead.

But when the Novavax shot became available Goudie opted out once again.

She did not get the Novavax vaccine simply because she “decided not to”, she said.

Last year, a code of conduct complaint was laid about Goudie’s Covid-19 vaccination views, which the Thames-Coromandel District council did not investigate, saying the matter was resolved informally.

Controversy around her anti-vaccine stance had not played a part in her decision to retire, Goudie said.

“Totally not, absolutely not, that wouldn’t worry me… that’s not controversy, I eat that for breakfast, it’s fine.”

Goudie also dismissed claims she was concerned about struggling for votes at the next local election.

Thames District Council’s introduction of vaccine pass requirements had forced her to undertake her mayoral duties from home.

While Goudie admitted she preferred to operate in a work environment, she denied working from home had proven difficult.

“That wasn’t challenging at all, there were things changed so you just did what you had to do.

“I’m glad though that now people can go back into their workplaces and can sort of spend time with other colleagues.”

She said she was looking forward to retirement and reiterated she had no plans to return to politics in any capacity.