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Ruapehu District Council

2013-16 Elected Members Sworn-in

Ruapehu’s newly elected mayor and councillors were sworn-in at the first meeting of Ruapehu District Council (RDC) on Tuesday.

Under the Local Government Act council’s chief executive Peter Till swore-in Mayor Cameron who then swore-in the other elected members.

Mr Till took the opportunity to remind the elected members of the importance of strictly adhering to the various Acts that bound their actions and those of local government.

“It is vitally important that council always acts in good faith in accordance with government legislation and RDC policy,” he said.

“The operations of council are an expensive cost to ratepayers.”

“Going about our business with transparency and truthfulness as our underlying principles helps to provide ratepayers and the public with confidence in council.”

As well as the swearing-in of the new elected members mayor Don Cameron confirmed Ohura Ward Councillor, Marion Gillard, as his deputy.

Mayor Cameron said that Marion was his first choice for deputy mayor as he felt she always gave ‘well considered and sage advice’ in addition to having a ‘deep knowledge of the workings of council’.

“I have always valued the contribution Marion has made at council and are very pleased she has accepted the deputy mayor role,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Gillard said that it had never crossed her mind that Don would ask her to be his deputy.

“When Don asked me I was gob smacked,” she said.

“Before accepting the deputy mayor position I discussed it with my husband who encouraged me to accept.”

“I like to think that I will bring both common sense and honesty to the role.”

Deputy Gillard added that anyone who knows her knows that she calls a ‘spade a spade’.

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ENDS

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