UPDATED – Hamilton mayor Tim Macindoe has announced the appointments to key leadership positions as follows:
- Growth and Economic Development: Chair Maria Huata; Deputy Chair, Deputy Mayor Geoff Taylor
- Community: Chair Emma Pike; Deputy Chair Anna Casey-Cox
- City Delivery: Chair Sarah Thomson; Deputy Chair Mesh Macdonald
- Finance and Assurance: Chair Rachel Karalus, Deputy Chair Andrew Bydder.
“The appointments to these committees acknowledge the experience and expertise of returning councillors, while welcoming the different perspectives and energy of new members,” said Macindoe.
Each of the committees of the whole will have specific terms of reference and delegations. They will provide governance direction and develop strategies, plans and policies for public consultation and/or engagement, as well as approve or recommend new or amended policies to the Council.
The Finance and Assurance Committee incorporates strategic assurance and risk-related responsibilities previously managed as a separate committee.
Six sub-committees will also be presented:
- Major Events: Chair, Deputy Mayor Geoff Taylor; Deputy Chair Maria Huata
- Community Grants: Chair Anna Casey-Cox; Deputy Chair Emma Pike
- Transport: Chair Mesh Macdonald; Deputy Chair Sarah Thomson
- Procurement: Chair Andrew Bydder; Deputy Chair Graeme Mead
- Dog Control Hearings: Chair Emma Pike; Deputy Chair Mesh Macdonald
- Central City Revitalisation: Chair, Deputy Mayor Geoff Taylor; Deputy Chair Leo Liu
Macindoe noted that all councillors offered considerable strengths.
“While there are limited committee leadership roles that can be assigned, all fourteen Councillors are being allocated other responsibilities to enable them to utilise their talents and experience for the benefit of our city,” he said.
“With such capable chairs and a committed, passionate group of Elected Members, I am confident that our council is well-positioned to deliver on this triennium’s priorities and achieve great outcomes for Hamiltonians.”
29 October 9.30pm
Fourth-term councillor Geoff Taylor has been appointed as Hamilton’s deputy mayor, returning to a position he held between 2019-22.
Announcing the appointment, mayor Tim Macindoe noted that there had been keen interest in filling the role from some very talented councillors and he had been spoilt for choice.
Tim Macindoe, left, and Geoff Taylor deep in discussion at the Love the Centre awards in Hamilton tonight. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
“Ultimately, Geoff’s experience played a significant part in my decision. As a new mayor, and a relative newcomer to local government, it is important to me to have a deputy whose institutional knowledge I can draw upon. I also took into account Geoff’s top polling in the West Ward in the recent council elections, and his previous experience serving as deputy mayor during Paula Southgate’s first term as mayor.”
Geoff Taylor
Taylor will also serve as deputy chair of the council’s Growth and Economic Development Committee and head up a new Central City Revitalisation Subcommittee.
“Both Geoff and I campaigned on a pledge to do all we can to restore confidence and vibrancy to our inner city, and I will be looking to the subcommittee to connect with those who can play a role in assisting us to make our CBD a more appealing place to work in, reside and visit.”
Taylor said that he is delighted to accept the appointment. “I have great respect for Tim and many of our views are very similar. He will lead an inclusive council, and he is committed to making the tough changes this council needs. It will be a real honour to be his right-hand man over the next three years.”
Angela OLeary
Macindoe also announced the appointment of senior councillor Angela O’Leary to a new portfolio position that will oversee connectivity between governance and operations within the council. She will also chair the Chief Executive Review Committee and be responsible for coordinating and chairing elected members’ information sessions and briefings.
O’Leary said she was excited to fill the role she has been offered. “I believe it is one that will enable me to use my skills and experience to best effect and I look forward to supporting our new mayor and full council team wholeheartedly.”
Tim Macindoe
Macindoe indicated that further appointments to lead council committees will be announced shortly, along with a number of individual responsibilities that councillors have expressed interest in filling.
“I am keen to harness the talents of all members of our council team and I appreciate the very constructive way in which our diverse group is pulling together and focusing on the challenges ahead of us,” he said.
