Horizons Regional Councillor for Whanganui, Nicola Patrick, has stepped down from her governance role to pursue a career with central government in Wellington.
Ms Patrick (pictured) has taken on the role of Senior Advisor Strategic Partnerships with the Ministry for the Environment.
Horizons Chair, Rachel Keedwell acknowledged the former councillor’s contribution to local government, which included the recent adoption of Horizons’ 2022-23 Annual Plan.
“I will miss Nicola’s enthusiasm, skillset and valuable contributions to Council decisions,” says Cr Keedwell.
“During her almost six years at the governance table, Cr Patrick has been a member of Council’s Kanorau Koiora Taketake – Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant’s decision panel, and steering groups for two of Horizons’ Jobs for Nature projects – Fencing and Riparian Planting and Enhancing Fish Populations through Fish Passage Remediation.
In 2019, she was elected by her peers as Chair of Environment Committee, a position she held until her recent departure.
“She has also spent time as part of Te Kōpuka nā Te Awa Tupua, who are charged with advancing the environmental, social, cultural and economic health and wellbeing of Te Awa Tupua through the development of a Whanganui River management strategy,” said Cr Keedwell.
“Nicola has been a strong and vocal advocate for both the environment and all of our communities, not just Whanganui. She always contributed to discussions and left us in no doubt about where she stood on issues.
Councillor Wiremu Te Awe Awe will act as Horizons’ Environment Committee Chair in the interim, while the position of Deputy Environment Committee Chair has gone to Councillor Fiona Gordon.
Nominations for those wishing to stand for any of Horizons constituencies, which include two new Māori constituencies, open on 15 July. More information can be found in the About section of Council’s website.
