22 August 2018

New Deputy Mayor appointed and by-election date set

The Ruapehu District Council has appointed Taumarunui Ward representative Cr Karen Ngatai as Deputy Mayor.

Mayor Don Cameron congratulated Deputy Mayor Ngatai on her appointment, which was noted by her fellow elected members.

Mayor Cameron said Karen was well-placed to step into the Deputy Mayoral role because of the length of service as an elected member having been on Council since 2004.

“Karen has been heavily involved in the Taumarunui Revitalisation Taskforce. Her dedication to our community is there for all to see having put many hours into the planting and caring for the rhododendrons between Taumarunui and Manunui,” said Mayor Cameron.

“We are both passionate about moving our district forward, and I look forward to working with Karen for the benefit of Ruapehu as a whole,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Ngatai said it is an honour tinged with sadness.

“Marion was not only a Councillor and a Deputy Mayor but also my friend,” she said.

“Marion’s dedication to the role is an inspiration for me. I know I have big shoes to fill and I am proud to fill those shoes.”

Alongside the Deputy Mayor appointment, Cr Ngatai was also appointed to the Ruapehu District Maori Council and the Audit and Risk Committee.

Also at today’s Council meeting, it was agreed to hold a by-election for the Ohura Ward.

Group Manager Customer Service Pauline Welch said nominations would be called on Thursday 6 September and close on Thursday 4 October.

“In the event only one person is nominated, then no by-election will be held, and the nominated person will be appointed to represent the Ohura Ward. However, if more than one person is nominated then voting papers will be sent out on Thursday 8 November,” she said.

Election day will be on Friday 30 November, and preliminary results will be in that day.

The final declaration will be made on Thursday 6 December 2018.

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