Media release

10 October, 2016

Public invited to Swearing In Ceremony

Nau mai, haere mai.

The people of Whangarei are invited to witness the swearing in of the successful Whangarei District Council candidates.

The official Swearing In Ceremony will start at 5.30pm on Tuesday 25 October 2016, in Te Kotahitanga, the Forum North Exhibition Hall, Forum North, Rust Avenue.

“We want our residents to come along to support our newly-elected representatives in this last stage of the election process,” says Whangarei District Council Governance Manager, Jason Marris.

“It is a very ceremonial and auspicious occasion that marks a new chapter in our district’s history and we welcome the community’s participation in it.”

The Swearing In Ceremony will see the mayor and thirteen councillors make a declaration of office and take their seats for the first Council meeting of the term. The mayor will also receive the robes and chains of office and deliver an inaugural speech.

“The declaration is a formal document which states that a mayor or councillor promises to execute and perform their duties faithfully, impartially and to the best of their skill and judgement,” Jason says.

“After the mihi whakatau, or formal welcome, the mayor will read and sign the declaration, before each of the councillors is invited to do the same and take their place for the first Council meeting of the term.”

The event dress code is smart casual. People don’t need to register, but should be seated by 5.20pm, ready for the ceremony to begin at5.30pm.

“We will have a sign language interpreter present and the proceedings will also be live-streamed on Channel North for those who can’t be there in person,” Jason says.

“The ceremony will last around two hours after which those attending are invited to stay for refreshments.”

Enquiries or requests for further information should be directed to the Mayor’s Personal Assistant, Carina de Graaf, on (09) 4703029 orcarina.degraaf@wdc.govt.nz.

“The Swearing In Ceremony is something for us to celebrate as a community,” Jason says.

“We encourage everyone to be part of it, and to show their support for the people who will be leading our Council for the next three years.”

ends

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