West Coast Regional Councillors have selected Chris Coll to fill the vacant seat for the Buller Constituency on Council, replacing the late Frank Dooley.
“A shortlist was presented to Council and the decision to appoint Mr Coll was made. Councillors were resolved that continuity was vital for the flood protection work being done through Resilient Westport,” said Council Chair, Peter Haddock.
“Chris and his wife have run their Coast wide surveying and resource management consultancy out of Westport since 1981. He has extensive experience of the issues confronting Westport and very valuable knowledge of West Coast rivers from Karamea through to Haast.”
The appointment followed an expressions of interest process which attracted five candidates. All five were interviewed by a panel comprising Chair Haddock and Councillors, Mark McIntyre and Brett Cummings.
“We had some very high calibre candidates and really hope the interest they demonstrated in the vacancy translates into standing in the local government elections in October,” said Cr Haddock.
As the vacancy fell within 12 months of the next local government elections a by-election was not required.
