Sandra Hazlehurst was elected deputy mayor of the Hastings District Council at its first meeting of the new term this afternoon.
A powhiri kicked off proceedings, before chief executive Ross McLeod opened the meeting and received Mayor Lawrence Yule's declaration, after which Mr Yule swore in the 14 councillors.
After an explanation of the legal voting system to appoint the deputy mayor, chairs and deputy chairs of committees, the recommendation to appoint Ms Hazlehurst was endorsed. She was nominated by Malcolm Dixon, with the motion seconded by Adrienne Pierce.