The Kaipara District Council meeting on Wednesday, 24 September, featured valedictory speeches from retiring councillors Eryn Wilson-Collins (Wairoa Ward) and Mike Howard (Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Ward). Ron Manderson (Otamatea Ward), also retiring, was an apology for the meeting.

Councillor Eryn Wilson-Collins

Eryn Wilson-Collins was elected to the Kaipara District Council in 2019 as a councillor for the Dargaville Ward. She is serving her second term, representing the Wairoa Ward. During this term, Eryn chaired the Awards and Grants Committee and served on the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee, as well as the Dargaville Town Hall Working Group.

Councillor Mike Howard

Mike Howard was elected in 2022 to represent the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Ward. During this term he has contributed to several committees, including the Awards and Grants Committee; Audit, Risk and Finance Committee; Remuneration and Development Committee; and the Economic Development Committee.

Councillor Ron Manderson

Ron Manderson was elected in 2022 to represent the Otamatea Ward. He served on the Economic Development and Audit, Risk and Finance Committees, as well as being a member of the Engineering Standards Working Group and the District Plan Review Working Group.

The council meeting was streamed live and Councillor Wilson-Collins and Councillor Howard’s valedictory speeches are available to view in full on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (at 4:01:48).

Kaipara District Council Mayor Craig Jepson gifted each retiring councillor a kauri tree, in recognition of their contributions to council and community.

Council extends its sincere appreciation to each retiring elected member for their dedicated service to the district. We offer our best wishes for success in their future pursuits.

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