Stephen Woodhead re-elected as ORC chairman
26 October 2016
Stephen Woodhead re-elected as ORC chairman
Re-elected Otago Regional Council
chairman Stephen Woodhead has expressed his hope that the
new council will focus “constructively and proactively”
on what it can achieve over the next three years, and on
delivering outcomes for the community.
The council met for the first time in the new 2016-19 term today.
Cr Gretchen Robertson, who was Mr Woodhead’s deputy during the last term, was re-elected unopposed to that role.
Mr Woodhead was first elected to the Molyneux constituency in 2004, and was deputy chairman from 2007-2010. He was elected chairman in 2010 and is now entering his third term in the role.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Woodhead said the council faced a significant workload ahead of them but it could be achieved through strong collaboration.
“Our success does not lie in one person. It’s about working together as a team - as a council, with our very experienced staff, and importantly with our communities,” Mr Woodhead said.
“While there are challenges for this council, we should not lose sight of the fact that we are blessed to live in one of the most diverse regions, both economically and climactically, in the country.”
“We are not reliant on any one sector for employment or income, and we have stunning landscapes and natural resources which that attract people from all over the world,” Mr Woodhead said.
Welcoming back returning councillors, and new members Crs Michael Laws, Maggie Lawton, Carmen Hope, and Andrew Noone, he said he hoped they would engage with and work with the community to leverage off their “passion and energy.”
“We welcome the fresh enthusiasm, questions, and ideas newly-elected councillors always bring to the table.”
ends