New ‘mana wāhine’ council sworn in

A crowd of supporters, school children and the public gathered at Kaikohe Memorial Hall for the pōwhiri of the inaugural meeting of the newly elected ‘mana wāhine’ council this morning (Wednesday 29 October). The historic event was notable for a record eight women being elected to the Far North District Council.

The pōwhiri welcomed all those who had been successful in the recent local election, with the mayor and each ward councillor formally sworn into office at this morning’s ceremony. Mayor Moko Tepania said he was humbled to be elected for a second term and to be leading a mana wāhine council where women now make up 73 per cent of those at the council table.

One significant mana wāhine is Chicky Rudkin, who was formally appointed as Kahika Tepania’s Deputy Mayor. Councillor Rudkin was elected to council as a Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori Ward Councillor at this year’s election and Kahika bestowed her with the title of ‘Kohepu’. The Māori kupu (word) Kohepu, refers to the flower of the kohekohe plant. This is in recognition of Cr Rudkin’s deep roots in Kaikohe. She was born and raised in Kaikohe-Hokianga, has been the Chair of the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board and Tumuaki Principal of Kaikohe East School.

During the first official council meeting, held later in chambers, the establishment of seven committees that will form the governance structure of the new council was confirmed. They are:

1. Te Pīpīwharauroa – Committee for External Appointments
2. Te Huia –Committee for Chief Executive Performance
3. Te Kūkupa – Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation
4. Te Koukou – Committee for Transport and Infrastructure
5. Te Koekoeā – Council Controlled Organisations
6. Te Miromiro – Committee for Assurance, Risk and Finance
7. Te Kuaka – Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships.

Other appointments made at the meeting included councillors being assigned to external organisations, steering groups and working parties.

The inaugural council meeting was livestreamed. This recording can be found here.

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Main photo - Kahika Tepania flanked by the nine councillors sworn in today - eight of whom are women. Councillor Tāmati Rākena was not present.