Hawke’s Bay Regional Council today officially welcomed its new and returning councillors at a special meeting, including a pōhiri, held at the Napier War Memorial Centre.

Elected as Chair of the Council was Councillor Sophie Siers and Councillor Jerf Van Beek was elected Deputy Chair.

In her acceptance speech Chair Siers confirmed her commitment to Māori partnerships and recognised the value of working collaboratively and in co-governance with tangata whenua and mana whenua.

Then she spoke of the ongoing recovery work but also of her long-term vision for the region.

“The next three years will demand dedication and commitment if we are to deliver on the aspirations of a region still working through its recovery.”

Siers said she has a 50-year vision for Te Matau a Maui. “Imagine if the rivers ran clear after heavy rainfall, if highly erodible land was stabilised with biodiverse and productive plantings and if there was no water wastage. That’s the vision I stand for.”

Incoming Deputy Chair Van Beek said he was looking forward to the Council working as a unified team.

“In the coming three years, we will tackle challenging conversations with ratepayers. We will address critical issues such as water security, flood protection, and coastal hazards, while keeping affordability at the forefront of our decisions.”

The ceremony brought together councillors, staff, mana whenua, whānau and community representatives in a celebration of connection and shared purpose.

Four new councillors joined seven returning members who were formally sworn in by Chief Executive Dr Nic Peet:

• Michelle McIlroy – Māui ki te Raki Constituency*
• Thompson Hokianga – Māui ki te Tonga Constituency
• Di Roadley – Wairoa Constituency
• Jerf van Beek – Ngaruroro Constituency
• Neil Kirton – Ahuriri/Napier Constituency
• Hinewai Ormsby – Ahuriri/Napier Constituency
• Louise Parsons – Ahuriri/Napier Constituency*
• Jock Mackintosh – Heretaunga/Hastings Constituency
• Sophie Siers – Heretaunga/Hastings Constituency
• Conrad Waitoa – Heretaunga/Hastings Constituency*
• Tony Kuklinski – Tamatea/Central Hawke’s Bay Constituency*

(* denotes new councillor)

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