The CHB District Council's new chief executive, Monique Davidson, was welcomed to the community at a powhiri held at the CHB Municipal Theatre in Waipawa yesterday.
Although she officially starts the role on Tuesday next week, Mrs Davidson had already bought a property in Waipawa with husband John and their two children Lachlan, 2, and Georgia, 9 months, who all joined her at the event.
Also in attendance were Taiwhenua Tamatea representatives, CHB College students, CHB councillors and council staff, representatives from Horowhenua District Council and local iwi, and invited members of the public.
Mrs Davidson, who had worked at the Horowhenua District Council for seven years, two of those as deputy chief executive, takes over the role from former chief executive John Freeman, who resigned this year after 12 years in the position.
At yesterday's powhiri she said it was a privilege to be there with the support of the Horowhenua council and her family.