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Last modified: 08 May 2025 3:13pm

Super Mayor

The captivating video game Super Mayor, developed by the Selwyn Youth Council, was nominated as a finalist in the NZ Game Awards in the Excellence in Representation Category.

The 2D platformer game was developed in collaboration with Indever Games and invites players to step into the shoes of a councillor and navigate the intricacies of local governance.

The NZ Game Awards each year celebrate the best and boldest game developments in New Zealand and Australia, and Selwyn Youth Council chairperson Mackenzie Wills is proud that Super Mayor has been recognised among such illustrious company for raising understanding about the work that Council does in the community.

Wills explains that the idea came from the Youth Council’s engagement with the young people of Selwyn which revealed a gap in local government awareness.

“With the backing of Council, this game presented a fresh approach to connect with youth, to make sure the Council remains relevant and stimulates a connection with future votes,” says Wills.

In Super Mayor, players embark on a journey to solve community issues, engage with residents, and ultimately ascend to the coveted position of mayor.

Game developer Ben Childs says the game's focus is on participating in both realistic and hilariously far-fetched Council projects and meaningful decision-making from developing and funding public facilities to resolving weather-related challenges.

“The game is designed to be genuinely challenging and fun while educating players about how Council works and how their vote really matters. Players interact with residents, attend Council meetings, and manage resources, earning ‘supporter points’ to unlock new options and areas within the game,” he says.

Selwyn District Council’s Executive Director of Community Services and Facilities, Denise Kidd, says, the award nomination justifies the Council’s investment in this exciting project.

“Local government plays a vital role in New Zealand's democracy. It provides a platform for residents to voice their opinions on what makes their district or city a great place to live, work, and play.

“Especially, with our local elections just around the corner, this game will continue to be a valuable tool in engaging our young people and building interest and understanding in local government and Council processes,” she says.