ALL HANDS ON DECK
DUNEDIN’S new mayor said it was time for ‘‘all hands on deck’’ — and said ‘‘hi’’ to his mother — at the first council meeting of the new term.
Family, friends, and members of the community packed the Dunedin Centre’s Fullwood Room for the official swearing in of the mayor and councillors yesterday.
There were few signs of nerves from the new councillors as they took their seats around the table, after being led into the room by a bagpiper.
Te Runanga o Otakou kaumatua Edward Ellison opened the meeting with a mihi whakatau, which was followed by a waiata.
Mr Hawkins was then sworn in during a ceremony officiated by Dunedin City Council chief executive Dr Sue Bidrose.
After donning the mayoral robes and chains, Mr Hawkins presented his formal welcome.
He outlined his hopes for a term of building upon work already started, saying the council had inherited significant projects and would start to deliver on them.
‘‘It’s less of a reset than it is a fresh start, because the new council isn’t presented with a fresh slate,’’ he said.
Dunedin was a growing city, and with that came challenges, he said.
‘‘We have no small task ahead of us, it’s an all hands on deck situation, and I’m looking forward to this council getting stuck in.’’
In a lighter moment, he also thanked those watching proceedings via livestreaming — including his mother.
While the meeting was mainly ceremonial, there was a moment of discord when Cr Lee Vandervis argued against the remuneration for committee chairmen.
The motion to approve councillor remuneration for the term was passed, with all but Cr Vandervis in favour.
It outlined annual remuneration of $71,488 for councillors, $85,786 for committee chairmen, and $90,790 for the deputy mayor.
Cr Vandervis, who was not offered a committee chairman’s role, said the extra work taken on by committee chairmen did not justify the amount of additional pay.