Kia Ora, I’m Orphée Mickalad
I’m running to be your Mayor for Palmerson North!
💚PALMYPROUD
It has been my honour to serve Palmerston North as a City Councillor since my election in February 2021. The mandate I received then was a clear call for dedicated action on cleaner rivers, more affordable housing, better accessible infrastructure, and a strong local economy, priorities that have remained at the forefront of my work for Palmerstonians.
As we now look towards the local body elections this September/October 2025, I am excited and deeply committed to announce that I will be standing for Mayor of Palmerston North City Council.
The coming weeks and months will be pivotal. My focus now expands as I seek to actively engage with you, residents from across our entire city, to discuss a comprehensive vision for how we can continue to build on the progress we've made and address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Palmy.
Over the next few months, I’ll be out in the community, eager to share my mayoral vision and, more importantly, to listen to your aspirations and concerns for all of Papaioea. As your potential Mayor, I am dedicated to ensuring we are innovatively tackling the need for affordable homes, continuing to enhance our city's accessibility and infrastructure to support our growing population, maintaining and accelerating our efforts for healthier waterways, and further strengthening our local economy to ensure Palmerston North remains a place where everyone can thrive.
Running an electoral campaign for Mayor is a significant undertaking, and I am committed to a constructive and positive dialogue about our city's future. The dedication shown by all candidates in past campaigns stemmed from a shared love for Palmy, and I anticipate that same spirit as we move towards October. I look forward to these vital conversations and, if elected as your Mayor, to working collaboratively to further improve our wonderful city.
The work continues, and I am energised to connect with as many of you as possible in the weeks and months ahead.
Tena rawa atu koe. 🙏🏾
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