Regional council fills vacancy left by Fran Wilde

Greater Wellington Regional Council today voted to appoint Daran Ponter as a councillor to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Fran Wilde in March 2016.

Daran Ponter served as a regional councillor for the Wellington constituency from 2010 to 2013. He unsuccessfully stood for re-election in 2013.

GWRC chair Chris Laidlaw says councillors voted to appoint Mr Ponter to maintain representation for the Wellington constituency.

“The Greater Wellington Regional Council comprises 13 regional councillors, representing six constituencies. Each election five councillors are elected to represent the Wellington constituency. Following Fran Wilde’s resignation, the number of councillors representing the Wellington constituency reduced to four.

“Mr Ponter’s previous experience in the public transport space will be invaluable to the Council as we have a busy public transport agenda between now and October.”

In the event of a resignation of a sitting councillor within 12 months of the next triennial election, Councillors are able to fill the vacancy under the Local Electoral Act 2001.

Subject to Mr Ponter accepting the appointment and Council confirming it, it is anticipated Mr Ponter will take his declaration as a Councillor and commence his duties at the Council meeting on 26 May 2016.

Local government elections will be held on Saturday 8 October 2016.

ENDS

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