The Hastings District Councillors and Rural Community Board members for the next triennium were officially sworn in today.
Mayor, Wendy Schollum said the formal occasion followed a busy few weeks since the election, bringing the new councillors together and laying the groundwork for the term ahead.
“Of our 16-strong council, seven are new councillors and we’ve been focused on establishing how we will work as a team, what our priorities are and how we will deliver for the people of Heretaunga Hastings,” she said.
“We begin this term at a crossroads – between challenge and opportunity, recovery and renewal. We have a large and diverse district, covering more than 5000 square kilometres, made up of rural and urban communities, both of whose voices are critical to our ongoing wellbeing and prosperity.
“Our most important job now is to earn our community’s trust – to show through our actions that we are listening, that we are disciplined with every dollar, that we are focused on the things that make a real difference in people’s lives – affordable homes, good jobs, safe water, strong roads and lifting up those who need us most.
“If we do our job well, by 2028 we will see a district that’s more affordable, more resilient, and more connected – where collaboration across our region is second nature, where families can put down roots, young people can build futures and businesses can thrive.
“We have some great skills, knowledge and experience across both council and the Rural Community Board and I look forward to working with all our elected members over the next three years.”
Following the inaugural full council meeting the Rural Community Board had its first meeting and swearing in. The new Rural Community Board chair is Kaweka community subdivision representative Isabelle Crawshaw.
The council representatives appointed to the Rural Community Board are Mōhaka Ward councillor Derek Nowell-Usticke, Kahurānaki Ward councillor Elisha Milmine and Takitimu Māori Ward councillor Siiam Daniel.
