Stolwyk returns as deputy mayor

Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan has confirmed Liz Stolwyk as deputy mayor, saying she is “hands down, the best person for the job”.

The widely anticipated appointment puts the four-term Stolwyk back into the deputy mayor’s role for the second consecutive term. Stolwyk was deputy last term to former mayor Jim Mylchreest; a big plus as far as O’Regan is concerned.

“Having Liz in the role provides really important continuity for the district as well as sound strategic thinking in a senior role when we most need it,” O’Regan said.

“Liz is very well connected, well-known and deeply respected on both sides of the district because she’s energetic and an exceptionally hard worker. There’s never been any doubt in my mind that Liz is the best choice and I’m thrilled – genuinely thrilled – she has agreed to work alongside me in this role.”

O’Regan also announced her Council Committee structure today, putting forward a line-up of committee chairs and for the first time at Waipā, deputy chair roles. She considered experience, track-record and personal strengths before making her final recommendations, she said.

“I’ve called upon some of our most experienced councillors to step up but I’ve also given succession planning some thought. Over coming years, our district will have big decisions to make that will impact on generations to come. Deputy chairs will play an important role in ensuring there’s a deep knowledge base around the decision-making table.”

At the first formal Council meeting on October 31, O’Regan will put forward her appointments for chairs and deputy chairs for five main Council Committees:

• Strategic Planning and Policy Committee – chair Liz Stolwyk, deputy chair Mike Montgomerie.
• Finance and Corporate Committee – chair Andrew Brown, deputy chair Bruce Thomas
• Service Delivery Committee – chair Clare St Pierre, deputy chair Mike Pettit
• Regulatory Committee – chair Marcus Gower, deputy chair Clare St Pierre

O’Regan will propose the Audit and Risk Committee continue to be independently chaired by Bruce Robertson with Cambridge councillor Roger Gordon in the deputy chair’s role.

Councillors will take their oath of office on October 31. The day will begin with a 9am whakatau at the Sir Don Rowlands Event Centre at Lake Karapiro’s Mighty River Domain. The inaugural Council meeting, including the oath, will follow at 11am, and is expected to be attended by a large group of family and friends.

Inaugural meetings of both the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi and Cambridge Community Boards will be held later that afternoon, at 1pm and 2pm respectively.

All meetings are open to the public and will be held in the Te Manawa o Matariki room.