The inaugural meeting of the new Dunedin City Council is a chance to celebrate before getting down to work for the city and its people, Mayor Sophie Barker says.
Mayor Barker says the Council she now leads will work faithfully in the best interests of Dunedin.
“I have a very simple goal. I want to make Dunedin the best place to live in New Zealand – a city that works for everyone.
“This means that our city of firsts will shine with world class opportunities, becoming a magnet for people attracted by our unrivalled lifestyle and opportunities in our world class city.
“I am committed to bold ambitions for transformation, partnerships and livability, and it’s time to get to work.”
Mayor Barker says today’s inaugural meeting was also a chance for Councillors to cast off the competition of the election campaign and shift focus to serving the city and its residents with honour.
“It is a serious responsibility to hold the weight of our city’s future. It is a privilege to represent our city, and people will be at the heart of every decision we make over the next three years.
“He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata – it is the people we serve,” Mayor Barker says.
Today’s inaugural meeting began with a Mihi Whakatau before Mayor Barker, Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas and Councillors took their oaths of office, watched by mana whenua representatives, friends and family.
New faces around the Council table include first-term Councillors Andrew Simms, John Chambers, Russell Lund, Mickey Treadwell, Benedict Ong and Doug Hall.
Today’s meeting also marked the contributions of former Councillors Bill Acklin, Kevin Gilbert, Carmen Houlahan, Jim O’Malley and Andrew Whiley, who were not reelected, as well as long-serving community board members.
Mayor Barker says she is now looking forward to leading with values and purpose, to make the DCC a Council everyone can be proud of.
“It is my honour to have been chosen to serve as your Mayor and to work with our Councillors to make Dunedin thrive. Thank you for your faith in me.”