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The new Rodney Local Board was officially sworn in at Helensville last week, with Kumeu member Guy Wishart elected chair and Warkworth member Ivan Wagstaff as deputy chair.
Wishart said he wanted to foster an environment where every member felt valued and heard.
“The role of chair is to provide stable leadership, not by controlling the narrative, but by listening, facilitating discussion and debate, and working alongside other members,” he said.
“Ultimately, it’s about finding consensus for the benefit of the people we represent.”
He said Rodney was a place to be proud of, but had its own complexities.
“Thousands of visitors flock to Rodney every year. They bring welcome economic activity, but also, pressure on our roads, facilities and services,” he said.
“In Rodney we maintain five libraries, two arts centres, 23 halls, 102 toilets, 410 parks including 41 sportsgrounds, 63 playgrounds and two camping grounds.
“When you’re as large and spread out as we are, you need them all and still, we need more.”
The ceremony was opened by local mana whenua and a performance by the kapa haka group from Helensville Primary School, and there were at least 100 families and friends in attendance.
Rodney Local Board members elected for this term are: Lisa Whyte (Dairy Flat subdivision); Matt Ross and Guy Wishart (Kumeu); Paul Manton and Colin Smith (Northern Rodney); Mark Dennis and Geoff Upson (Southern Kaipara); Tim Holdgate and Ivan Wagstaff (Warkworth).
Their first meeting will be held in Warkworth on Wednesday, December 3.
