Hamilton City Council’s newest Councillor, Maria Huata, has been sworn in, following her success in the recent Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward by-election.
Mayor Paula Southgate (pictured, left, with Councillor Huata) said she was pleased to have Councillor Huata join her team.
“It is great to have her on the team. She brings a strong passion for rangatahi, youth, and a strong skill set. This will bring strength to Council,” Mayor Southgate said.
Councillor Huata said she was approached less than two months ago to put her hand up to fill the vacancy on the Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward.
“After getting the green light from my mum, and my husband’s unending encouragement and belief in my ability to do this job, I said ‘yes’,” she said.
In under six weeks, Councillor Huata, supported by her husband and daughter, ran a campaign powered by strong social media, Council said in a statement.
“The critical factor to our success was that I know my community, and my community knows me. And that 47 years of being a kanohi kitea, a familiar face, kaupapa-driven and active in the community, is immeasurable, priceless and significantly important.”
Councillor Huata said the biggest challenge facing Council was the realisation that “what is good for Maaori is good for everyone”.
“Let us work together, dream together and plan together, so the wellbeing of our environment is paramount, to ensure our future generations are socially, economically and culturally sound,” Cr Huata said.
