Porirua’s newly elected City Council has officially begun its term, with Mayor Anita Baker reaffirming her leadership team and unveiling a refreshed committee structure at the inaugural meeting held Tuesday evening.
Returning Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi was reappointed, continuing her trailblazing role as the city’s first Māori ward councillor and now serving a second term in the deputy position.
“Kylie will be reappointed as my Deputy Mayor, recognising her teamwork, work ethic, leadership and contribution during the previous term,” Baker said. “She was a great support to me in that role. I’m sure she will build on that experience.”
Among the changes this term is the appointment of Councillors Josh Trlin and Geoff Hayward as co-chairs of Te Puna Kōrero, the committee responsible for overseeing major policy and strategy decisions.
“They have earnt these positions showing tremendous teamwork, knowledge, experience and a great attitude during their time on Council,” Baker said.
Councillor Ross Leggett will lead the Chief Executive’s Employment Committee, which monitors senior leadership performance, while Councillor Nathan Waddle retains his role as Deputy Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
“These appointments reflect a Council focused on teamwork, experience, collaboration, continuity, and action,” Baker said. “We’ve lost a few weeks to the recount process, but we’ll more than make up for it with the energy, focus and teamwork Porirua deserves.”
The committee rosters include a mix of returning councillors and external appointments. Notably, Councillor Wihapi takes on several leadership responsibilities, chairing the District Licensing Committee and representing Porirua in regional transport, water, and leadership forums.
The full Council committee structure includes:
- Deputy Mayor: Kylie Wihapi
- Te Puna Kōrero Co-Chairs: Josh Trlin and Geoff Hayward
- Audit and Risk Committee: Chair Warren Allen, Deputy Chair Nathan Waddle
- Chief Executive’s Employment Committee: Chair Ross Leggett, Deputy Chair Anita Baker
- District Licensing Committee: Chair Kylie Wihapi, Deputy Chair Mike Duncan
Mayor Baker also acknowledged Taku Parai, Council Kaumātua from Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, who continues to play an integral role in Council proceedings.
The triennium officially begins as the Council looks ahead to its first full business meetings in the coming weeks.