Cr Chandulal-Mackay is chair of the Regulatory Committee, deputy chair of the Strategy and Finance Committee and the council representative on the Youth Committee.
Josh is in his second term as a district councillor and is in his first term as an elected member on the Whanganui District Health Board.
He grew up in Whanganui before studying a Bachelor of Arts at Massey University for three years and in 2016 he chose to run for the council.
After being elected at age 21, Josh worked for Craig’s investment Partners for three years before resigning to focus more closely on community work.
He accredits his interest in working in local government from being a member of the Whanganui Youth Committee while growing up and says it also comes from a long-term respect for the principles of civic participation and engagement, as well as the recognition of community as being central to the well-being of people.
Josh is also involved in the governance of local organisations like the Youth Services Trust, Age Concern, the Hakeke Street Community Centre and St Anne’s Catholic School. He has also been an independent marriage and civil union celebrant since 2017.
At a council level, Josh says he places importance on making decisions which are long-term and resilient and engaging with people.
Other important issues for him include responding to climate change and the housing shortage, partnering with Māori, place-making, growing events and vibrancy and the creation of accessible community spaces.
He says his values include celebrating diversity and promoting multiculturalism, while focusing on contributing to a positive culture at the council and looking at ways Whanganui can continue to grow and adapt into the future.