Liz Stolwyk back as deputy
New mayor, but four-term councillor ensures continuity
‘‘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.’’
Susan O’Regan
Waipā mayor
Waipā’s new mayor Susan O’Regan has confirmed Liz Stolwyk will be her deputy, describing her as ‘‘hands down, the best person for the job’’.
The widely anticipated appointment puts the four-term councillor back into the deputy mayor’s role for the second consecutive term.
Stolwyk was deputy last term to former mayor Jim Mylchreest.
O’Regan said Stolwyk is well-connected, well-known and deeply respected on both sides of the district, making her the best choice.
‘‘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 said.
‘‘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.’’
At the first formal council meeting on Monday, O’Regan put forward her appointments for chairs and deputy chairs for five main council committees. Liz Stolwyk will chair the strategic planning and policy committee and Mike Montgomerie will be the deputy chairperson.
Andrew Brown will chair the finance and corporate committee and Bruce Thomas will be deputy chairperson.
Clare St Pierre will chair the service delivery committee, with Mike Pettit deputy chairperson, and Marcus Gower will chair the regulatory committee, with Clare St Pierre deputy chairperson.
O’Regan also proposed that the audit and risk committee continues to be independently chaired by Bruce Robertson, with Cambridge councillor Roger Gordon filling the deputy chairperson’s role.