Western Bay’s new Council welcomed in
Western Bay of Plenty District Councillors for the 2022-25 triennium (left to right): Anne Henry, Murray Grainger, Richard Crawford, Rodney Joyce, Mayor James Denyer, Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour, Don Thwaites, Margaret Murray-Benge, Allan Sole, Grant Dally, Andy Wichers, Tracey Coxhead.
Western Bay’s new changemakers have kicked off their three-year term.
Mayor James Denyer, 11 Councillors and 20 Community Board members were officially welcomed into the Western Bay of Plenty of District Council whānau at its inaugural meeting held in Council chambers.
Following a pōwhiri (welcome) lead by Rangatira of Ngai Tamarāwaho, Tauranga Moana whānui and Council staff supported by Te Arawa Rangatira, the 32 community representatives, in front of whānau and friends, took the oath of office before finalising the frequency of Council meetings and chair appointments to committees.
Mayor James Denyer announced John Scrimgeour as deputy mayor, seeing the fourth term Maketu-Te Puke Ward Councillor continuing the position he held for the last three years under Mayor Garry Webber.
“Having John continue as deputy mayor provides really important continuity during a period of significant change for our District.
“John is well connected and brings a wealth of experience to the role. So, I’m thrilled he has agreed to work alongside me in this role,” says Mayor James.
Four new councillors, Rodney Joyce, Tracey Coxhead, Richard Crawford and Andy Wichers were also officially sworn in.
They join existing councillors Anne Henry, Allan Sole, Murray Grainger, Margaret Murray-Benge, Don Thwaites, Grant Dally, and John Scrimgeour along with Mayor James.
Mayor James also revealed his Council Committee structure, putting forward a line-up of committee chairs. He considered experience and personal strengths before making his final recommendations.
Committee | Chair | Deputy Chair |
Council | Mayor James Denyer | Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour |
Annual Plan and Long Term Plan | Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour | Rodney Joyce |
Strategy and Policy | Mayor James Denyer | Richard Crawford |
Projects and Monitoring | Don Thwaites | Allan Sole |
Audit, Risk and Finance | Murray Grainger | Tracey Coxhead |
District Plan | Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour | Murray Grainger |
Community | Margaret Murray-Benge | Grant Dally |
“With four new councillors, we have a good mix of experience and fresh thinking. I look forward to working with them in a collaborative manner to achieve great things for our communities.
“This triennium will be defined by change. Change because I am a new mayor, change because we shall have major legislative reforms to deal with.
“I intend to lead Council in navigating these changes to get the best outcomes for us all.”
