Start of ‘something new’ for councillors

Hauraki’s new and returning councillors were officially sworn in for service at the inaugural meeting of the 12th triennium last week.
It was a “special occasion”, said incumbent Mayor Toby Adams, who later appointed Paeroa ward councillor Paul Milner as his deputy for a second term.
“For the newly elected councillors, today is something new in your lives; it’s something you’ve never had before and it’s something you’ll never forget – regardless of whether you enjoy it or don’t enjoy it,” he said.
“This stuff will come home with you and you’ll find you will have to vent, so we apologise to the spouses or family members that will have to listen to that.
“Rest assured, we support each other here as much as we possibly can, and we’ll try to help them along so they don’t bring that excess baggage home – but a little bit will sneak in.”
Each of the following elected members read aloud and signed a statutory declaration, watched on by the mayor, chief executive Langley Cavers, and attending family members.
The councillors are, for the Plains ward: Ray Broad, Phillip Buckthought, Stephen Crooymans, Neil Gray; for Paeroa ward: Carole Daley, Paul Milner, Jo Tilsley, Rino Wilkinson; and the Waihī ward: Sarah Holmes, Josh Martyn, Bhavesh Ranchhod, Austin Rattray, and Anne Marie Spicer.
The first meeting for the new council will be on November 9.