Councillor Irvine Yardley resigns

Greater Wellington Regional Council Chairperson Margaret Shields announced today that the Greater Wellington’s Chief Executive had received the resignation of Councillor Irvine Yardley.

“Irvine has decided to resign because she has relocated her home to Auckland following her recent marriage. Irvine tendered her resignation to the Chief Executive this afternoon, and it will take effect immediately.”

Margaret Shields said that Irvine will be greatly missed by her Council colleagues, and by staff with whom she has worked. “Irvine has been a dedicated and constructive member of this Council, during two separate terms. She has always taken a positive approach to the business of the organisation, and has been active on committees and in Council debates.”

During her current term on the Council, Irvine was Chairperson of the Wellington Region Environment Agency, deputy chair of the Environment Committee, and has taken a particular interest in civil defence issues.

Margaret Shields said that the process from today was that the Chief Executive would formally report to the Council on 9th March that there has been a resignation.

“From there the Council has to decide whether to fill the vacancy by appointment or whether to leave the position vacant. Because it is less than 12 months to the next general election, there is no option under the Local Electoral Act 2001 for a by-election. If the Council decides to make an appointment it has to publicly notify that it is doing so, and the process or criteria by which it selects the appointee. Similarly, if the Council does not appoint, it is required to give public notice of that decision.”

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