Zone 6 Chair/Councillor, Central Otago District Council

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Tamah Alley

“Many people want the government to be involved in their lives as little as possible - I think this happens best when local government is doing such a great job in our communities that people don't have to think about the fact they are ‘engaging’ with us — it just happens.”

Tamah Alley's journey into local government was unexpected, but once the seed was planted, it grew. With 12 years of experience as a police officer in Counties Manukau and Central Otago, she brings a unique perspective to her role. When approached to stand for office, Tamah saw an opportunity to extend her impact beyond her work with youth and communities — and loves the intergenerational aspect of local government.

Tamah enjoys learning from different generations and connecting with people from various backgrounds. She says talking to people (including strangers) is what fills her bucket. Passionate about fostering community connections, Tamah advocates for effective local governance that seamlessly integrates into people's lives. She believes in forging closer partnerships between local and central government and is committed to promoting civic education in schools.

Living in Central Otago, she appreciates the wide-open spaces, the warmth of her diverse community and the human connection that comes with living in a small town. In her spare time, she’s a fan of embracing life's adventures both in and out of the council chambers — biking, skiing, reading (something other than agendas) and trying to keep things alive in her garden.