I look forward to helping lead the Howick Local Board over the next few years as we serve our local community.
Thank you to everyone for their birthday wishes yesterday. It was an extra special day for me, as it was also the inaugural meeting of the Howick Local Board.
After months of campaigning and a few weeks of intense induction, this was our first formal meeting where we each formally declared that we would serve our community to the best of our ability. It was awesome to have our friends, family and other community members present to witness this.
After being sworn in as local board members, we had an election for the role of chairperson. Unlike the mayor who is elected directly, the chair of the local board is chosen from the members, by the members. The person in this role is responsible for leading the meetings, representing the Board in the community and supporting the other members.
I’m humbled to have been elected as chairperson for this term and I’m very thankful for the vote of confidence from the Howick Local Board. As I noted in my speech, as the newest member of the Board I bring a unique perspective and as an independent I can work with anyone. I acknowledged the challenging last few years and also the opportunities with a new mayor, greater powers and funding for the local boards, and a new leadership team for the Board. I’m looking forward to building and maintaining strong relationships with the communities we serve - it was great having so many representatives present last night to celebrate together.
Shortly after this, we elected our deputy chairperson - Bo Burns. I’m thrilled to have a passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable businesswoman alongside me. While we were competitors during the recent election, Bo and I are both focused on delivering the best outcomes for our communities.
As I mentioned last night, one of the reasons I stood for council as that I know that council can do great things - when it’s responsive to community needs and focuses on the outcomes. I’ve seen council staff enable incredible positive change in communities and I have no doubt we can do it again. I’m extremely grateful for the incredible support that I’ve already received in my first few weeks from council staff across the city.
I’m looking forward to working with the Howick Local Board, staff and community, as we work together to do great things for East Auckland.