14 October 2016

Wellington set to have first Māori Deputy Mayor

Wellington will have its first-ever Māori Deputy Mayor when Paul Eagle is formally sworn into office at the Wellington City Council inauguration ceremony on 26 October.

Mayor Justin Lester says he is proud to be part of an historic moment for the Council and the city.

“I am keen to see more Māori in leadership positions at the Council, having a stronger influence in decision-making on the future of the Capital.

“Paul has been a hard working Councillor for two terms, is deeply embedded in his local community and has consistently topped voting polls in the Southern Ward. Ward.

“Paul has hit the ground running and provided me with excellent support and leadership and I look forward to working with him as Deputy Mayor,” Mayor Lester says.

Cr Eagle has iwi affiliations with Waikato-Tainui and hapū, Ngāti Naho and Ngāti Tiipa. He has held Wellington City’s Southern Ward seat since 2010.

Cr Eagle says it is a privilege to hold the role as first Māori Deputy Mayor, both for the Ward and for the wider Māori community.

“I am humbled by this honour to serve as the Deputy Mayor of our capital city, a place I call home that is dear to my heart.

“I will draw strength from my Māori culture, family and fellow councillors in performing my duties.

“I acknowledge the responsibility that comes with the role and will work tirelessly to fulfil that responsibility,” says Cr Eagle.

“Over the next three years, I’ll ensure the Council embraces the ethos of Māori kaupapa and collective decision-making.”

ends

© Scoop Media