Service acknowledgment for retiring elected members

A total of eight elected members, retiring at the conclusion of the current local election period, were recognised for their service at the council meeting in chambers yesterday (Thursday 25 September).

However, there is still plenty of choice for voters with sixty-six enthusiastic nominees vying to fill 30 roles available to champion our local communities at the council table. Voters are urged to check out Candidate Profiles so they can make well-informed decisions about who to vote for before the deadline of midday on Saturday 11 October.

In chambers yesterday, Mate Radich was given special recognition for his 15 years of service as councillor for Te Hiku General Ward. The acknowledgement included a light-hearted note that councillor Materangatira Radich is likely to hold the record for raising the most ‘point of orders’ at council meetings during his three terms of service.

Councillor Radich has been a passionate champion for issues important to Te Hiku communities. Throughout his time at the council he has advocated for young people, sports and recreation, and hasn’t shied away from getting involved in ensuring contractors deliver. He has been vocal about the council being more transparent with and accountable to ratepayers, and while he is well known as a straight talker with council staff, he has also been quick to give credit when a job is well done.

Bruce Mills, described as the ‘Mayor of Whangaroa’, was also acknowledged for his 15 years’ service as the Whangaroa representative on the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board.

The remaining six elected members retiring from the council at the conclusion of the local election have held seats on one of the three Far North community boards. They are:

• Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board - Lane Ayr (nine years), Amy Slack (three years)
• Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board - Trinity Edwards, Harmonie Gundry, Tanya Filia (all serving three years).
• Te Hiku Community Board - Sheryl Bainbridge (six years).