Community boards elect their chairs across the Far North

The three community boards across the Far North have officially begun their new term, holding inaugural meetings on Friday 31 October to elect their chairpersons and deputy chairpersons.

The Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board led proceedings, re-electing Belinda Ward as Chairperson for a third consecutive term.

In the Kaikohe-Hokianga and Te Hiku areas, members selected their leaders, with former community board members Jessie McVeagh and Bill Subritzky bringing their experience from the previous board and stepping into the role of Chairperson.

Far North Mayor (Kahika) Moko Tepania congratulated the new board chairs and members, acknowledging the vital role they play in linking council with local communities.

“We have a large district with almost 75,000 Far Northerners spread over 215 settlements. Community boards are an important bridge to connect us to our local communities,” said Mayor Tepania. “Our community board chairs are like local mayors, congratulations to them, and our community board members for their inaugurations. We look forward to working closely together to serve the people of the Far North.”

Kahika Tepania also wished to extend his thanks to member Adele Gardner for her time spent as Te Hiku Community Board Chairperson, and for her continued service to her community as she is welcomed back to the board.

Deputy Mayor Kohepu Chicky Rudkin also extended her congratulations, noting the mix of experience and fresh perspectives across the boards. “Congratulations to all of our new community board chairs who have strong relationships in their communities and a solid understanding of how community boards operate. New members bring additional skills and ideas to help progress local actions and priorities”.

Members of each community board, chairperson and deputy chairperson and appointed councillors are:

Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board

Councillors Arohanui Allen and Ann Court appointed.

• Belinda Ward(Paihia) Chairperson
• Tyler Bamber (Waipapa) Deputy Chairperson
• Jo Alexander (Kerikeri)
• Korey Atama (Whangaroa)
• Dane Hawker (Kerikeri)
• Jane Hindle (Russell-Ōpua)
• Roddy Pihema (Kawakawa-Moerewa).

Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board

Councillors Arohanui Allen and John Vujcich appointed.

• Jessie McVeagh (South Hokianga) Chairperson
• Scarlet Mokaraka (Kaikohe) Deputy Chairperson
• Eddie Court (Kaikohe)
• Denis Orme (South Hokianga)
• Doug Te Wake (North Hokianga)
• Kelly Van Galen (Kaikohe).

Te Hiku Community Board

Councillors Rachel Baucke and Hilda Halkyard-Harawira appointed.

• Bill Subritzky (Whatuwhiwhi) Chairperson
• Trevor Beatson (Kaitāia) Deputy Chairperson
• Eddie Bellas (Doubtless Bay)
• Adele Gardner (Kaitāia)
• Krystal-Rose Taaffe (North Cape)
• Mike Te Wake (Kaitāia).