Council seat to stay vacant for now

Waipā District Council confirmed today it would not appoint anyone to replace Maungatautari ward Councillor Elwyn Andree-Wiltens who resigned last month.

Instead, the position will remain vacant until the upcoming October Council election. A by-election cannot be held because her three-year term ends in less than 12 months.

Andree-Wiltens resigned in late April following revelations of an unconsented sand quarry being operated by a company in which she is a shareholder.

At today’s Council meeting it was confirmed Mayor Jim Mylchreest would take Andrew-Wiltens’ role as Chair of the Maungatautari Reserve Committee.

Deputy Mayor Liz Stolwyk or Councillor Mike Pettit will attend Cambridge Community Board meetings to offer additional support, but will not have voting rights as they were not elected to the Board. Speaking rights will be at the discretion of the Community Board Chair.

Council appointed Councillors Clare St Pierre and Roger Gordon to replace Andree-Wiltens on the Heritage Fund Advisory Sub-group with support from Councillor Bruce Thomas if required.

Other positions held by Andree-Wiltens will remain temporarily vacant.

Council has recommended to the independent Remuneration Authority that the remainder of Andree-Wilten’s $33,834 annual remuneration be divided among the Deputy Mayor and Councillors.