Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell, has announced she and husband, Kanin Clancy, are expecting a baby girl in June.
“As well as delivering for Rotorua as Mayor, in three months from now I’ll be delivering something very special for my husband and I, a baby girl,” said Mayor Tapsell.
“I feel like I’ve been blessed twice to be taking up the roles of both Mayor and Mother.”
Mayor Tapsell, who was the first Māori woman elected as Mayor of Rotorua, will also be the first known Mayor in New Zealand to give birth while holding office.
“We’re so excited to be expanding our family and are grateful for the support of my Council team. Rotorua has given me so much, and I can’t wait to raise our baby girl in this great place we call home,” she said.
Deputy Mayor ,Sandra Kai Fong will be Acting Mayor during the Mayor’s maternity leave.
“I plan to take a short one-month break following the birth and then my supportive husband Kanin will take over from there to allow me to resume my important duties as Mayor,” said Mayor Tapsell.
“Our new Council has made great progress for our district already, and I look forward to continuing to build on the positive momentum, while enjoying my new role as a Mum.”
