New councillors sworn in
Mayor says the aim is to build credibility
‘More than ever we need to build our credibility,” Tararua District Mayor Tracey Collis told those attending the meeting to swear in the new council.
The meeting, attended by family and friends, as well as supporters of the new councillors, was opened with a karakia by Hayden Hape of Ngati Kahungunu ki Tamaki nui-a-rua.
Representatives of local iwi Rangitane o Tamaki nui-a-rua and Ngati Kahungunu ki Tamaki nui-a-rua as well as members of the first battalion of the Royal New Zealand infantry regiment were present at the meeting.
Collis was then called to read her declaration by chief executive Bryan Nicholson.
She said it was an incredible privilege to be mayor, elected to both lead and serve the people of the Tararua district.
“We have much to be thankful for in our towns and our rural communities. We have an abundance of goodwill. Resilience and generosity of spirit. We have an incredible young people, attaining quality education in our local schools that will enable them to be creative thinke unity, connected to the world through innovation which could put the district on the map, as well as volunteers and social services making a difference.
She said she would be a strong advocate for community wellbeing.
A report on the future of local government was due to be released and the council would need to look to new models and funding streams.
“I’m sure our councillors agree that local decisions are best made by those closest to the issues.”
Collis said the election had delivered a strong mix of new and experienced councillors who would sit at
the table with the responsibility of making wise decisions on behalf of the people of the Tararua district.
Previously the council had set the strategy that would set the course for the future, she said.
“This term will be about delivery with momentum on that strategy.”
Councillors received a commemorative coin of the first battalion of the Royal New Zealand infantry regiment as they joined the mayor on the stage to make their own declarations.
Councillor Alison Franklin thanked those who had put their faith in her to serve a third term on council.
She said it was important to stand because of the issues they were facing due to local government reform and the need for continuity and experience around the table.
Councillor Michael Long said he stood for honesty and to work for the people of the Tararua district.
Councillor Kerry Sutherland said people in the community had invested their trust in him and he would do his best to return that.
Councillor Scott Gilmore said it was a huge honour to be elected and one he didn’t take for granted.
He also acknowledged council staff and thanked them for the effort everyone had put in.
Councillor Sharon Wards, who would be serving her second term, wanted to acknowledge her family and supporters “who saw what I delivered last term and decided they want to see a bit more of the debate, the advocacy and the hard-working commitment that I will commit to continue in the next three years”.
Councillor Steve Wallace said while he had a bit to learn, he would do his due diligence, study and do his very best for everyone.
Councillor Erana Peeti-Webber, who gave her declaration in Maori, thanked everyone supporting her.
Councillor Peter Johns, serving his fifth term, said much had happened or needed to happen with some urgency.
“I was determined to stick around and make sure it does.”
Councillor Naioma Chase making a special declaration in Maori as the first Maori ward councillor said she was humbled to be standing there as the first wahine for the Maori ward.
Collis appointed Erana PeetiWebber as deputy mayor.