From Bay of Plenty Regional Council planner to chair. Matemoana McDonald now leads a newly elected team into a transformative chapter for local governance. David Porter and Mary Anne Gill report.
Matemoana McDonald and Glenn Dougal, chair and deputy chair respectively at Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Photo: Supplied
Matemoana McDonald has been elected chair of the Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council – becoming the first Māori and first woman to hold the role.
Her appointment follows sweeping elections that ushered in nine new councillors, signalling a bold reset in leadership and direction for the 14-member council.
Matemoana McDonald
Newcomer Glenn Dougal of Tauranga will serve as deputy chair. The leadership refresh comes as nine new councillors join the 14-member team, with several former members – including chair Doug Leeder – stepping down or not returned in the ballot.
It represents a significant change, says long-serving councillor and former Tauranga mayor Stuart Crosby.
“We’ve met informally over the last few days and it’s a fantastic group and very talented, but it’s a big change,” he said.
McDonald – the Mauao Māori constituency councillor since 2017 – was the only nomination at the meeting in Whakatāne for the chair’s position which currently pays $164,175 a year. The deputy, also the only councillor nominated, gets $84,540.
Stuart Crosby
Before becoming a councillor, McDonald worked as a planner for the council and has 30 years local body experience in strategic planning, community development, cultural/policy advisor, researchers and Māori land development.
“It’s not just about relationships, it’s all about relationships,” she says.
“My priority is getting the new team of councillors working together and connecting with the community for the best interests of the Bay of Plenty region.”
In addition to being a certified environmental commissioner and member of the Institute of Directors, McDonald also chairs a number of iwi groups.
Fiona McTavish
Dougal, a business owner and trained meteorologist, has significant governance experience including being a director of Legacy Funerals which has returned $4 million to local charities.
“I bring a fresh perspective and I’m keen to make sure we have good governance and decision-making so we can look out for the best interests of our beautiful region.
“I understand the science that guides our decision making. I’ve worked overseas with the BBC, European Space Agency, and Sony which gave me a global perspective I still draw on,” he said.
Doug Leeder
Leeder, who did not seek re-election, said it was a critical time for local government “and a good time to pass the baton to the next generation of leadership.”
Council chief executive Fiona McTavish said the new council included a great mix of people, who held a range of relevant skills and were representative of the region’s communities.
“I’m really excited that our new council is made up of people from a wide range of careers and experiences,” she said.
“Among our new leaders we have farmers, butchers, meteorologists, environmental experts, business owners and engineers – as well those who bring their previous local government experience to the table.”
Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Councillors listen as Matemoana McDonald makes her acknowlegement speech
