MEDIA RELEASE

New councillors sworn in

For immediate release: Wednesday 31 October 2007
Environment Bay of Plenty’s council team has begun the new triennium by electing its chairman and deputy chairman.

John Cronin has been elected as chairman of Environment Bay of Plenty’s council for a further three years, while Philip Sherry was elected deputy chairman.

The council includes three new faces, Hawea Vercoe for the Okurei Maori constituency, Jane Nees for western Bay of Plenty and Jim Mansell for the eastern Bay of Plenty. Tauranga’s Karen Summerhays returns to the council after previously sitting during 2001-2004.

Mr Cronin said his job was to now bring together the newly elected council and have it working for the good of the entire region.

“We need to make this council speak for the whole of the region and the people that we are here to serve,” he said, adding that to do this he would require the support of all of the councillors.

“I give you my undertaking that this will be an inclusive council working for the whole region.”

Mr Cronin acknowledged that the council had lost some experience during the election, but he embraced and welcomed the new councillors.

“The position brings with it some responsibilities; however you all bring new light and a new focus to the council.”

Council’s first full meeting will take place on November 15.

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