Stratford District’s Mayor and Councillors were sworn in at the inaugural Council meeting for the 2025-2028 term this week, with their first decision as a collective to adopt the 2024/25 Annual Report.

A pōwhiri was held before the meeting with representatives from Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Maru, Council staff and whānau in attendance.

The meeting itself was opened by Chief Executive Sven Hanne with Mayor Neil Volzke then sworn in and taking the chair to lead the rest of the meeting where each councillor was invited to make and sign their declaration.

Chief Executive Sven Hanne says this is a momentous occasion for our elected members, particularly for the ones new to Council this term. “It’s special to see family and friends in the room as you formally commit to the role you stood for. As staff, we’re excited to get to know our new Council as a team and work alongside them in delivering quality services for the Stratford district,” says Sven.

The meeting also confirmed Council’s Deputy Mayor, with Rural Ward Councillor Amanda Harris appointed to the role.

Mayor Neil Volzke says, “Amanda is very committed to serving this community and has done a great job over the six years she has been on council. She’ll bring a new perspective to this leadership role, and I really look forward to working with her.”

Amanda says she is incredibly humbled to be appointed Deputy Mayor for this term. “To continue the hard work of those before me and alongside Neil is a tremendous honour and privilege. I'm actually beyond excited and can't stop smiling!" says Amanda.

During the meeting, elected members also received a report outlining key legislation they need to be aware of and have an understanding of as part of their roles. They then adopted the date of the first Council meeting to be Tuesday 11 November 2025, followed by a presentation from Audit New Zealand and the adoption of the Annual Report.

The final Annual Report 2024/25 will be available online later in November.

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