Kaipara mayor back by popular demand

 

 

In a huge vote of confidence for Kaipara District Council, returning Kaipara mayor Dr Jason Smith was re-elected by an overwhelming margin, around 95 per cent.

First-time candidate Eryn Wilson-Collins was voted into one of the two Dargaville ward seats with Karen Joyce-Paki squeeking into the other after special votes were counted.

West Coast/Central ward seats went to another first-timer David Wills, and the experienced Victoria Del la VarisWoodcock.

ew councillor Mark Vincent and returning Anna Curnow will sit in the Otamatea ward. Kaipara split its former three wards into four this time around, creating a KaiwakaMangawhai ward because of that area’s growing population, and to even out representation across the district.

Both incumbents, Peter Wethey and Jonathan Larsen, were elected unopposed in the new Kaiwaka-Mangawhai ward. The council will now comprise: Mayor: Dr Jason Smith; Kaiwaka-Mangawhai: Jonathan Larsen, Peter Wethey (both elected unopposed); Otamatea: Anna Curnow, Mark Vincent; Dargaville: Eryn Wilson-Collins, Karen Joyce-Paki; West CoastCentral: Victoria Del la VarisWoodcock, David Wills.

A powhiri and inaugural meeting of the incoming mayor and councillors will start at 10am on Friday 25 October at Dargaville Town Hall. The public are welcome to attend.