Real Life with John Cowan

Born in South Africa, Rehette came to New Zealand 18 years ago on her OE and never left after she fell in love with the country.

Stoltz was first elected to council in 2010 and was the highest polling city ward councillor in 2013 and 2016. She served two terms as deputy mayor, before becoming Mayor of Gisborne in 2019. She’s followed in the footsteps of Gisborne’s previous mayor, Meng Foon, who now serves as New Zealand's Race Relations Commissioner.

Along with connecting with all aspects of the community, Ms Stoltz said she has plans to clean up the environment while she is in office.

She lives in Gisborne with her husband and they have two teenaged sons.