New council has a plan

The new Clutha District Council (back, from left) Mayor Bryan Cadogan, Cr Rachel Jenkinson, Cr John Cochrane (obscured), Cr Hilary McNab, Cr Selwyn Wilkinson, Cr John Herbert, Cr Stew Cowie and Cr Bruce Graham and (from front left) Cr Ken Payne, Alison Ludemann, Cr Carol Sutherland, Cr Gaynor Finch, Cr Michele Kennedy and Cr Geoff Blackmore (far right). Photo: Samuel White.

At the swearing-in ceremony, Mr Cadogan  acknowledged the success of those on the council,  whether their seats were  contested or not.

Mr Cadogan noted it  was the first time in his 18 years of working with the council there was such a  structured programme of new  projects

in front of the council. He acknowledged there were challenges but he was excited about the task.  It was collectively within the council’s grasp to change the district, Mr Cadogan said.

Cr Stew Cowie was re-appointed  deputy mayor. Cr Cowie said while he and Mr Cadogan  sometimes disagreed, he fully supported  the mayor. Mr Cadogan noted it  was the first swearing-in where he had not become  a "blubbering mess".

Three newcomers, Carol Sutherland,  Rachel Jenkinson and Alison Ludemann, swore their first oaths. 

They join the returning Cr Ken Payne  as Balclutha ward representatives. John Herbert now represents West Otago  alongside Michele Kennedy. He replaced Jeff McKenzie, who did not seek re-election.

Cr Bruce Vollweiler was unable to attend the swearing-in due to illness.

samuel.white@odt.co.nz