Historic double

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne has its first woman mayor and first Maori deputy mayor after yesterday’s handover of the mayoral robes from Meng Foon to his deputy, Rehette Stoltz.

After swearing her affirmation to fulfil the office of mayor, Mrs Stoltz appointed Mr Wharehinga as deputy mayor.

The council is required by law to have a deputy mayor to ensure the responsibilities of the mayor are performed if the mayor is absent.

The council also resolved yesterday not to fill the extraordinary vacancy created by Mrs Stoltz’s appointment as mayor.

A staff report said any person appointed would have to be confirmed at the council’s next meeting on September 22 and would be in office for less than a month before the local body elections on October 12.

A recommendation to leave the position unfilled was adopted by the council.

Mrs Stoltz confirmed she would be the council’s representative on the Eastland Community Trust up to the election.

Her announcement of Mr Wharehinga’s appointment when moving the staff recommendations was greeted with applause from councillors.

Mrs Stoltz said her appointment was “a lovely honour” and she was humbled to wear the mayoral coat and chain.

She was watched by her sons Alex and Luke in the public gallery and online by husband Deon, who is in Queenstown.

She thanked her family for their support.

Mr Wharehinga said he was grateful and humbled to be appointed deputy mayor.

Like the previous mayor and deputy he was here to serve the people of Tairawhiti.

Mr Wharehinga was elected to the council in a by-election after the resignation of councillor Manu Caddie.

He has affiliations with most district iwi and is the father of six children.