Tui Shortland elected chair of new regional council

26 Oct, 2022

Bay of Islands based councillor Tui Shortland has been elected as the new chair of Northland Regional Council for the next three years.

Unlike district councils, whose mayors are elected by the public, the regional council’s equivalent – its chair – is voted in by fellow councillors. Tui Shortland (Ngati Hine, Ngati Wai, Te Rarawa) is one of two councillors elected to the council’s new regionwide Maori constituency Te Raki – the other being Peter-Lucas Jones (Te Aupouri, Ngai Takoto, Te Rarawa and Ngati Kahu).

Whangarei Central constituency representative Jack Craw – a second term councillor – was elected as the council’s Deputy Chair. All nine councillors were officially sworn into office in Whangarei, October 25.

Councillor Shortland acknowledged the mentoring of her elders in preparation for the role. She comes to council with more than 20 years’ experience in Maori environmental management, as well as community monitoring and restoration projects.

“I have skills in bringing people together over different, and difficult, topics and I am looking forward to leading a productive council that benefits all people in Te Taitokerau,” Councillor Shortland said.

Newly elected Regional Council chair Tui Shortland and deputy Jack Craw. PHOTO/SUPPLIED