“Kia kaha, kia toa, kia manawanui, otirā whakarongo - be strong, be brave, be steadfast, and hear the people.”
It was a strong message of encouragement delivered by Shane Te Ruki this morning who spoke on behalf of Tangata whenua and Waipa District Council staff at the pōwhiri and swearing in of Waipā’s mayor and councillors.
The mayor, councillors, community board members and their supporters gathered in the council chambers in Te Awamutu for the official ceremony.
Mayor Jim Mylchreest, who was re-elected unopposed, said he was delighted to be back and see some new faces, as well as some familiar ones.
“All of the councillors are approaching the new triennium with a positive frame of mind, and that’s really important for this district with the amount of growth that’s happening,” he said.
“We need everyone working together to deliver the services a growing district needs.”
Mylchreest said it was an exciting time for Waipā and he was looking forward to the opportunities his third term will bring.
“We already have a lot of projects on and a new council will bring new ideas to the table. We’re also about to start a new 10-year plan, so that’s another opportunity to bring fresh ideas forward for discussion.”
The pōwhiri was followed by Council’s inaugural meeting where councillors were sworn in, a deputy mayor was appointed, and chairs of the committees announced.
Councillor Liz Stolwyk takes the deputy mayor spot this term and said it was a “great honour”.
“I’ve had a lot to learn over the last six years, and obviously over the next three years there’s a lot more to learn, but am looking forward to working with everybody,” she said.
Mylchreest acknowledged the tremendous support provided by Councillor Grahame Webber who chose to retire from the deputy mayor position after two terms.
Mayor Mylchreest has signalled the Committee chair roles will be held by Grahame Webber for Service Delivery, Andrew Brown for Finance and Corporate, Susan O’Regan for Strategic Planning and Policy, Marcus Gower for Regulatory, and Hearings will be co-chaired by Marcus Gower and Clare St Pierre. The audit and risk committee is made up of a number of councillors and will have an independent chair.
Cambridge Ward Councillor Grahame Webber and Maungatautari Ward Councillor Elwyn Andree-Wiltens were appointed to the Cambridge Community Board, while Te Awamutu Ward Councillor Lou Brown and Kakepuku Ward Councillor Susan O’Regan were appointed to the Te Awamutu Community Board.
At the inaugural community board meetings this afternoon, Ange Holt was appointed chair of the Te Awamutu Community Board and Sue Milner was appointed chair of the Cambridge Community Board.
