28 October 2004

New Greater Wellington Regional Council chair elected

Ian Buchanan was elected chairperson of Greater Wellington Regional Council by the council today.

Today was the first meeting of the council following the local government elections on 9 October. The councillors were sworn into office in the presence of the Hon Marian Hobbs, MP. The previous chairperson, Margaret Shields, did not seek re-election to the position this term although she remains on council.

Ian Buchanan, from the Wairarapa, was elected unopposed, nominated by Chris Laidlaw and seconded by Rick Long.

Terry McDavitt was elected deputy chairperson for a second term.

Cr Buchanan said today, “The urgent issues for the new council to address are around transport planning and public transport. Good progress has already been made and we will look to bring things to conclusion, including upgrading rail infrastructure and services.”

“We’ll also be working with city and district councils on the regional growth strategy, recognising the importance of economic development and the role of the regional council. In this term we’ll also be reviewing the regional policy statement which underpins all our planning documents.

Cr Buchanan said he was looking forward to chairing this council: “It’s a strong council, with a wide variety of skills, capable of making major contributions to council processes.”

Ian Buchanan’s professional life has been in fisheries, wildlife management and outdoor recreation. Ian was elected to the regional council in 1992 and has chaired the Environment Committee since 1993.

ENDS

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