Rodney Local Board sets new agenda

Real estate licensee Bob Howard, of Kumeu, has been sworn in as the inaugural chairperson of the Rodney Local Board.

Mr Howard was elected unopposed at the inaugural board meeting, held at Coatesville Settlers Hall on Wednesday, November 3. His deputy is fellow real estate salesperson Steven Garner, of Warkworth.

The nine board members made their official declarations of office at a ceremony before whanau and friends. Auckland Council chief planning officer Dr Roger Blakely officiated.

He said Local Boards would represent the voice of local communities and their establishment represented an innovative local government partnership. Boards would have significant budgets and responsibilities, with non-regulatory decision-making powers.

“This is a new era in community decision-making,” Dr Blakeley said.

Cr Penny Webster read a statement from Mayor Len Brown who said the new Auckland would be built on policies of inclusiveness, fairness, prudence and getting things done.

Bob Howard added that the Local Board would be “bold, fair, transparent and would work in the best interests of the whole of Rodney.”

Mr Howard, who has around 30 years experience in real estate, has worked for a number of real estate brands and also run his own independent real estate company.

The board will hold meetings in the former Rodney District Council building in Orewa, which is still one of the most centrally-located buildings for the board even though it is no longer in Rodney. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 8, at 6pm.

Pictured: Newly-elected Wellford representative on the Rodney Local Board, James Rolfe (right) was accompanied to the Coatesville ceremony by parents David and Fay Rolfe, and friend Serena Corringham.