Mrs Algar (55) announced her candidacy yesterday and will contest the mayoralty in October against, at this stage, incumbent Alex Familton and former deputy mayor and Oamaru ward councillor Gary Kircher.
Neither Oamaru, when it had a borough council, nor the Waitaki district, since formed in 1989, has had a woman mayor, although other women have stood in past elections.
Mrs Algar is also seeking the role without having served as a councillor, but she does not see that as an impediment, given her extensive governance experience.
In fact, if anything she views it as an advantage, not having any preconceived ideas about the role.
The Oamaru woman has had experience dealing with the council and its staff. She has been the council's community safety and development officer since 2010 and, before that for two years, was its physical activity project co-ordinator.
As Sport Waitaki's active transport co-ordinator, she also dealt with the council.
''I have a strong belief I have the experience and commitment to make a positive difference. I think this is the right time,'' she said.
Mrs Algar considered standing in the 2010 election, but felt it was not the right time for her to be able to give the commitment she felt the role needed.
She has spent most of her adult life working for and with the Waitaki community in various ways.
''It is a community that I am privileged to be a part of. This community has supported my family through some tough times and I have a genuine desire to give back in a way that adds value.''
Asked if she could do the role without having served as a councillor - two other mayors, Duncan Taylor and Alan McLay had not either - Mrs Algar said she had an extensive background in governance and had worked with the council, which had given her a ''more holistic perspective on how the machinery works''.
She had experience at being able to bring people together for a common goal, and that would contribute to effective leadership.
Married to Maurice, with nine children and 14 grandchildren, Mrs Algar lives in Oamaru.
In 2004, she was received a Waitaki Citizen's Award and in 2008, the Queen's Service Medal for her community work.
She has had a background in health, serving on the Otago District Health Board for two consecutive terms as a ministerial appointee, on health advisory committees, Healthy Active Living Oamaru, the Oamaru Mental Health Support Centre and CCS at regional and national levels.
A diverse contribution to the community ranges from the Ardgowan School boards of trustees to the Waitaki Multi Cultural Council and Waitaki Community Gardens Trust.
