Hastings' new Mayor and Deputy Mayor partnership, Wendy Schollum and Michael Fowler. Photo / HDC
Hastings' new Mayor and Deputy Mayor partnership, Wendy Schollum and Michael Fowler. Photo / HDC
The deputy mayors for Napier, Hastings and Wairoa have been chosen.
Councillors Sally Crown (Napier), Michael Fowler (Hastings) and Benita Cairns (Wairoa) have been announced to serve as deputy mayors for the next three years.
The three have not served as deputy mayors before.
Central Hawke’s Bay and Tararua districtcouncils are yet to announce their deputy mayors, following the 2025 local elections.
“I’m very pleased to have Michael in this role,” Schollum said.
“He has a level head, is a team player and we have complementary skills; all qualities that will be important as we bring the new council team together and get underway with the work plan.”
Napier's new Deputy Mayor Sally Crown and new Mayor Richard McGrath. Photo / NCC
New Napier Mayor Richard McGrath said Crown, a third-term councillor, shared his focus on “getting the basics right”.
“Sally brings both skill and heart to this position,” Mayor McGrath said.
“She’s pragmatic, balanced and understands what it takes to deliver for Napier.”
Crown said Napier was “at an important crossroads” with some big challenges and opportunities ahead.
Long-standing Wairoa Mayor Craig Little has chosen Cairns as his deputy.
Little said he had spoken to the elected members and received their unanimous support.
Benita Cairns is the new Wairoa Deputy Mayor. Photo / Supplied
“Benita is experienced and always represents the voice of the people, and I am confident she is well-suited to this position.”
Benita is a long-standing councillor who has been on and off the council over the years.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council does not have a mayor; instead a chairperson will be chosen from among elected councillors at that council’s first meeting on October 29.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council aims to announce its deputy mayor by Thursday.
Tararua District Council says it will announce its new deputy mayor on October 30.
Final councillor wins seat by 8 votes
The final councillor position on Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has been confirmed.
Special votes were added to the final voting tally late on Friday for that council, which helped determine a tight race for the Tamatea/Central Hawke’s Bay ward councillor position.
Napier City Council: Richard McGrath (Mayor), Roger Brownlie*, Keith Price, Sally Crown, Greg Mawson, Craig Morley*, Te Kira Lawrence*, Graeme Taylor, Ronda Chrystal, Nigel Simpson, Shyann Raihania*, Whare Isaac-Sharland*.
Hastings District Council: Wendy Schollum (Mayor), Derek Nowell-Usticke*, Alwyn Corban, Hana Montaperto-Hendry, Steve Gibson*, Michael Fowler, Yvonne Lorkin*, Kevin Watkins, Callum Ross*, Simon Nixon, Nick Ratcliffe*, Henare O’Keefe*, Elisha Milmine*, Heather Te Au-Skipworth, Kellie Jessup, Siiam Daniel*.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council: Will Foley (Mayor)*, Gerard Minehan, Kelly Annand, Jerry Greer, Brent Muggeridge, Kate Taylor, Todd Chote*, Pip Burne, Kirsty Lawrence*, Amiria Nepe Apatu*.
Tararua District Council: Scott Gilmore (Mayor), Steve Wallace, Erana Peeti-Webber, Sharon Wards, Alison Amboy*, Elisabeth Kennedy*, Peter Johns, Peter Naylor*, Chris Corlett*, Keshaan Te Waaka*.
Wairoa District Council: Craig Little (Mayor), Jeremy Harker, Roz Thomas, Sara Bird*, Trevor Teotaia Hirini Waikawa*, Benita Cairns, Michelle Tahuri*.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council: Di Roadley, Neil Kirton, Louise Parsons*, Hinewai Ormsby, Jerf van Beek, Jock Mackintosh, Sophie Siers, Conrad Waitoa*, Michelle McIlroy*, Tony Kuklinski*.
