New Waitomo District Council deputy mayor, Eady Manawaiti (left) and returning mayor, John Robertson
Two new councillors and a new deputy mayor are helping returning mayor John Robertson lead Waitomo District Council (WDC) through “testing times”.
Eady Manawaiti
Appointed at last week’s inaugural meeting of the WDC, Eady Manawaiti replaces Allan Goddard as deputy. Representing the Te Kūiti Urban Ward, Manawaiti is the district’s first Māori deputy mayor.
“I was honoured to be offered the role,” he said. “I want to acknowledge councillor Goddard, the previous deputy mayor, for sharing his knowledge.”
Manawaiti told The News that he isn’t taking his new responsibilities lightly.
“Being deputy mayor is about learning the ropes of running the district. It’s a really important role because there are times when the mayor’s workload is humongous,” he told The News.
“For example, while dealing with severe weather events it’s good to have a deputy who can provide support.”
Dan Tasker
As a scientist, Manawaiti expects his expertise will continue to benefit council. In particular, he said resilience of infrastructure in the face of severe weather events (such as the recent storms) shows room for improvement.
“We need more resilient infrastructure in and around our roads, our sewer and stormwaters to adapt to the more frequent weather events that are occurring. For example, we had 244 slips in the recent weather events, so that’s where we need to make a start.”
An experienced deputy can also prove useful in other extreme circumstances.
“Sometimes people do naughty things and they’re removed from council. So, you need somebody with the capability and the skills to step into the role,” Manawaiti said. “But, I honestly don’t think John has a naughty gene in him!”
John Robertson
Robertson said Manawaiti will be an effective deputy.
“Eady will bring a special skillset to this council,” Robertson said. “He has headed our Māori Relations Committee – Te Raangai Whakakaupapa Koorero. It has proven its value already, as has Eady’s dedication and leadership.”
Although Goddard has stepped down as deputy mayor, Robertson said his long service will continue to be of value on council.
Other returning members, Dan Tasker and Janette Osborne, were welcomed as well as new members, Olivia Buckley and Isaiah Wallace.
Wallace, 30, is the council’s youngest elected representative. He will draw on experience in community service, cultural leadership and working alongside hapū, rangatahi and local organisations.
Olivia Buckley
The owner of Te Kūiti-based Eight Mile Farms, Olivia Buckley, joins council after another successful campaign earlier this year, elected as a trustee for the Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT). She has extensive experience in governance roles.
Robertson reminded his councillors of their responsibilities.
“Public service is challenging. We are here for the public good, not private gain. We have a duty to form a good team around this table. That is the expectation of the public,” he said.
“While I take the responsibility of leadership, it is together as councillors that we will make this council successful – it is a team effort.”
Isiah Wallace
Recovery from recent storms appears to top Robertson’s agenda in the short term, but he expects the new council will also have much more work ahead.
“Local government is going through testing times. This will be a busy three years, but if we plan it well, it will also be an enjoyable and productive three years,” he said. “That is my hope and I am sure it is the wish of all members of the new governance team.”
The council’s first ordinary business meeting is set for November 25.
New Waitomo District Council deputy mayor Eady Manawaiti (left) and mayor John Robertson. Photo: Waitomo District Council.
