COMMUNITY FIRST

Mark Inman for Whakatāne Mayor

Why Mark Inman?

I am standing for Mayor to bring energy, vision, and unity to the Eastern Bay.

I bring a younger, more energetic, and dynamic leadership style - grounded in real-world personal experience, practical knowledge and a genuine passion for helping people.

My connection to Whakatāne runs deep, and I’m committed to serving this community with purpose and integrity.

My vision for Whakatāne includes:  

  • Smart, sustainable growth that protects our environment and creates real opportunity

  • Stronger partnerships with iwi, industry, and community groups

  • A focus on youth, investing in the services that shape their future

  • Transparent council decisions and better engagement with whānau, iwi, and ratepayers

This is about community-first leadership —listening, delivering, and working together for a stronger, more connected future.

“This isn’t about politics - it’s about people. It’s about leading with purpose and heart”.

  • Ōhope Beach TOP 10

    I served as General Manager at Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park for 5 years — effectively managing a seasonal town of nearly 3,000 daily visitors.

    Balancing infrastructure, staffing, and stakeholder needs to build one of New Zealand’s most celebrated holiday parks.

  • Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board

    For the past 9 years, I’ve proudly served on the Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board, ensuring that local voices are heard and community interests stay at the forefront of decision-making.

    My ongoing voluntary work with rangatahi, sport, and whānau speaks to a deep and lasting commitment to our future leaders.

  • Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust

    Today, I serve as Acting General Manager of the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust, working with whānau, schools, and frontline mentors to support at-risk youth/rangatahi.

    With over 15 years of teaching experience in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, I understand firsthand the transformative power of education.

    Across seven targeted programmes in the Western Bay of Plenty, we help unlock the potential of our youth - proof that strong leadership and quality education can shape futures when we invest in people, not just policy.

Family/Whānau

Family means everything to me. I was raised in a community built on whanaungatanga — the values of connection, care, and responsibility — and I’ve raised my own family with those same principles.

It’s these values that guide me as I help build pathways for our youth: grounded in connection, and clear in purpose.