Sophie Siers is the new chair of Hawke's Bay Regional Council.
Sophie Siers is the new chair of Hawke's Bay Regional Council.
Sophie Siers has been elected as chair of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council by her fellow councillors.
In her acceptance speech at the council’s inaugural meeting the Napier Conference Centre on Wednesday, Siers said she had a 50-year vision for Te Matau a Māui, but there was hard work ahead.
“Imagine if the rivers ran clear after heavy rainfall, if highly erodible land was stabilised with biodiverse and productive plantings and if there was no water wastage. That’s the vision I stand for.
“The next three years will demand dedication and commitment if we are to deliver on the aspirations of a region still working through its recovery.
Siers thanked former chair Hinewai Ormsby for her hard work and dedication, especially after the cyclone, and also on partnerships with Māori in the region.
Sophie Siers is sworn in as acCouncillor by Regional Council chief executive Dr Nic Peet, and was later elected chair.
Ormsby was first elected chair in 2022, becoming the youngest regional council chair in the country, and said before the election she would stand again for chair.
New councillor Louise Parsons had also been after the role, telling Hawke’s Bay Today she was gunning for it.
“I’m not there to be an ornament. I want to be chair or at least deputy, and I have the capabilities to do it,” Parsons said.
In the end, there was only one nomination and all sitting councillors voted in agreement of Siers’ nomination, bar Maui ke te Raki Māori ward councillor Michelle McIlroy, who abstained.
Siers said having the confidence of the table to lead the council for the next three years meant a lot.
“I’m aware there’s a lot of mahi ahead and I have a care plan to meet the needs of the community.”
The deputy chair is Jerf van Beek.
Ormsby congratulated the duo.
“I’ll have more time now to represent the people of Ahuriri and other projects. I’ll also have time to finish my masters in resource and environmental planning.”
Van Beek said he was pleased to be back for a third term.
With flood protection a key part of the long-term plan, the council would need to have a conversation with the public about how it would be paid for, he said.
Four new councillors joined seven returning members who were formally sworn in by chief executive Dr Nic Peet:
Michelle McIlroy – Māui ki te Raki Constituency*
Thompson Hokianga – Māui ki te Tonga Constituency
Di Roadley – Wairoa Constituency
Jerf van Beek (deputy chair) – Ngaruroro Constituency
