Twizel’s all-female board makes history
Twizel is shaping as the only area in New Zealand to have elected an allfemale community board.
Official results have Jacqui de Buyzer re-elected to the board with 549 votes and to be joined by new members Tracey Gunn (583 votes), Renee Rowland (442 votes) and Amanda Sergeant (435 votes).
De Buyzer said it was exciting to have an all-women board.
‘‘As one of my fellow elected members said, it’s a bit of a shame that it’s 2019 and it’s a bit of an oddity still,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s been more than 100 years since we received the vote and there is still not enough diversity on all boards and councils throughout New Zealand, which is sad.’’
She said the timing had been right, with four women who have a strong interest in the community coming together
‘‘I think there are strong women here who are interested in the community and feel that is the way forward.
‘‘I know that we are going to represent everyone in the community but I think maybe sometimes women come from a more holistic approach,’’ de Buyzer said.
Gunn said the all-female team was exactly the result she wanted.
‘‘It’s a great group of women combining youth, experience, longstanding local knowledge and fresh ideas,’’ she said.
‘‘I don’t think that, as females, we have different skills or styles to males, but I do think that this mix of women is a great combination. We all bring different strengths to the table, but above all else, we are passionate about this town and the people who live here.’’
There was only one male candidate for the board so the chance of an all-female community board had been quite high, Gunn said.
‘‘The four of us [females] attended meet the candidates evenings which was a great platform to expand on our profile statements and answer any questions, so that definitely helped.
‘‘We are also all relatively well known in the community.’’
The board’s first meeting on November 18 will elect the chairwoman.