Max Baxter is the Mayor of the Otorohanga district; a rural community of approximately 10,000 residents in the central North Island of New Zealand. The district includes the Otorohanga township, a small coastal village called Kāwhia, and an extensive pastoral farming community. As a local farm owner in Otorohanga, Max understands the importance of retaining the vibrancy, culture and pride of the community.
The Otorohanga District is a great place to live, to learn, to farm and to do business. As a farmer who has been privileged to raise a wonderful family in rural New Zealand, Max is passionate about ensuring that New Zealand’s small towns and rural communities continue to thrive and prosper. His vision is:
to support Otorohanga’s existing businesses and communities while encouraging growth in a sustainable way
uniting young and old for stronger communities
driving business sustainability, in the town and the country
to ensure effective relationships with Māori so we can work together towards win-win solutions in which everyone benefits
Max belongs to the core group of Mayors who support all New Zealand communities in this quest.
The key focus for Max’s Mayoralty is promoting a vibrant district for our children and grandchildren in a changing demographic and planting seeds for a better future.
Outside of Council Max enjoys spending time with wife Lindsay and their son and daughter when they are home from university. Max also enjoys the opportunist round of golf and driving his classic Monaro.
