Warren Maher has been elected chair of Waikato Regional Council during the council’s inaugural meeting held in Hamilton.
In accepting the nomination, Cr Maher said: “There is a real desire around the table to move the council forward… We have some amazing staff, some amazing people on the ground delivering incredible mahi for the region. We want to carry that forward.”
He noted the need for unity and balanced decision-making around the economy, social and cultural values, and the environment, for the benefit of the Waikato region.
With Cr Maher now chairing the meeting, attention turned to electing the deputy chair, with Mich’eal Downard (Taupō-Rotorua) and Kataraina Hodge (Ngā Tai ki Uta) nominated. By a majority vote of nine to three, Cr Downard was elected deputy chair.
