Heather Leigh Tanguay QSO JP (née Black; born 17 September 1944) is a New Zealand politician who served for twelve years on the Palmerston North City Council, being Mayor from 2004 to 2007.

[2][3] Tanguay served a total of twelve years for Palmerston North City Council,[4] becoming Mayor in 2004 when she defeated incumbent Mark Bell-Booth.

[5] During her mayoralty, Palmerston North City Council signed the contract with Mighty River Power for the proposed Turitea Wind Farm.

In the 2007 campaign, her signs were vandalised and she was accused of being unfit to lead Palmerston North because she was not a Christian and this ultimately led to her decision not to stand for re-election in 2010.

[14] While living in Palmerston North, Tanguay is credited with establishing the Ethkick football tournaments, which had the specific aim of "promoting diversity and intercultural friendship.

"[15] Soon after moving to the area, Tanguay took on the role as head of Palmerston North's Red Cross, became involved with community issues and set up a network of social activists that met most Sundays in her home.

Initiatives have included native vegetation planting, pest trapping, stream restoration, rubbish removal, and the installation of paths with botanical signs.