New chair for harbour working group named

The Mangawhai Harbour Working Group has named a new chairperson after current chair Mark Farnsworth resigned for personal reasons.

Colin Leech, a current member of the working group on behalf of Mangawhai Matters, was nominated and endorsed by council to take over the role and responsibilities of chairperson, while independent RMA commissioner Mark Farnsworth, who lives in Mangawhai, will become an independent appointee to the group.

Councillor Craig Jepson continues to represent Kaipara District Council. Other invited stakeholders include the chair of the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society, as well as representatives from Northland Regional Council, the Department of Conservation and Te Uri o Hau. A new committee member from Mangawhai Matters will also be chosen to take Leech’s place as a representative on the working group.

The announcement was made during the August 26 council meeting.

“Personally, I want to thank Mark Farnsworth for chairing this working group and getting things up and running for us and agreeing to continue on in a working group member capacity. He certainly has a lot to contribute with his knowledge around the harbour and mangrove issues,” Mayor Jonathan Larsen said.

Mayor Larsen also praised the incoming chair.

“Colin has an outstanding and extensive background with more than 40 years of senior leadership experience. He is heavily involved in the Mangawhai community through the Harbour Restoration Society, Mangawhai Matters and the harbour sustainability project, which he led.

“We are very grateful to Colin for agreeing to step up and take this important piece of work forward.”

Later in the same meeting, council also approved naming a new public road at 9 Wood Street, Mangawhai Heads, Farnsworth Way. The road was named in recognition of Farnsworth’s significant contribution to the local community.

Farnsworth was also recently awarded a Mayoral Citizens Award at the annual Citizens’ Awards event held in Dargaville last month.

“I would also like to congratulate Mark on his recent Mayoral Citizens Award for his contributions to Kaipara through his extensive work over many years,” Mayor Larsen said.