New committee to drive change
A new transport committee aims to keep the public up to speed on the district’s roading network and give the council a governance vehicle to drive change.
A new transport committee aims to keep the public up to speed on the district’s roading network and give the council a governance vehicle to drive change.
Te Koukou, established last month, will give elected members and officials better oversight of the state of Far North roads and the actions needed to rectify issues. It will also provide an avenue for the local communities to approach the council with roading concerns.
In keeping with naming committees after native birds, the koukou is a native owl associated with travellers and carrying messages.
The roles of chair and deputy chair will be appointed when the committee meets on Monday 11 September.
Te Koukou is just one of several new committees established over the past few months. Here is a snapshot of the others.
Te Miromiro – Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee
Chair: Graeme McGlinn
Purpose: To ensure the council has appropriate financial, health and safety, risk management, and internal controls in place.
Native bird name: A miromiro (tomtit) that has a keen eye for detail.
Te Kuaka – Te Ao Māori Committee
Chair: Harry Burkhardt
Purpose: To strengthen Te Ao Māori perspective in council decision-making across policies and strategies. It comprises the mayor, all elected members, and 12 iwi representatives nominated through Te Kahu o Taonui.
Native bird name: A kuaka (godwit) is a harbinger of resilience due to its ability to travel long distances. It also travels in large flocks in formations to ensure every bird can make its journey.
Te Pīpīwharauroa - External Members Appointment Committee
Chair: Councillor John Vujcich
Purpose: This committee has responsibility for interviewing and recommending the appointment of external experts to the council.
Native bird name: A pīpīwharauroa (shining cuckoo) is the bearer of news. It lays eggs in other birds’ nests but is meticulous in selecting the nest.
Te Koekoeā – Appointment to Council Organisations Committee
Chair: Councillor Steve McNally
Purpose: To appoint members to external council organisations
Native bird name: Koekoeā (long-tailed cuckoo) is another bird that lays its eggs in the nests of others and is very selective in its choices.
Te Huia – Executive Review Committee
Chair: Kōwhai Deputy Mayor Kelly Stratford
Purpose: To set the council’s vision and values to underpin its strategic direction. It guides the organisation as it works to make the Far North district an attractive place to live, work, and play.
Native bird name: A huia is a native bird held in high esteem in Aotearoa and is synonymous with leadership.
Click here to find out more about committees, when they meet, and the agendas.
Photo: The council’s new transport committee is named after the koukou – a native owl associated with travellers.