At the recent local body elections, West Harbour residents voted new candidates Wayne (Blackdog) Sefton, Barbara Anderson, and Jarrod Hodson on to the board, along with existing board members Ange McErlane, Duncan Eddy, and Kristina Goldsmith.
Ms Goldsmith is also relatively new to the board, having come in through a by-election in September, 2021, following the death of long-standing board member and former chairwoman Jan Tucker.
The Star asked board members for their thoughts on their election and board priorities ahead of the first meeting, swearing in, and election of a board chairperson on November 2.
Returning board member Mr Eddy said it was " a relief to get back on the board after such a hotly contested election".
"I welcome the keen new members, who will bring a wide range of skills and perspectives to the table," he said.
His personal priorities were getting the local bus service fixed, bike stands for the shared pathway, and looking into the planned closure of two local water reservoirs.
"Overall, climate resilience for our low-lying, exposed and coastal communities is the biggest issue facing West Harbour over the next three years," Mr Eddy said.
Ms Goldsmith was delighted to be re-elected to the board for another term.
"It is an exciting time to be on the board with the shared pathway nearing completion," she said.
"As a board member I will continue to advocate, listen and liaise on the community's behalf as I have done for the last year."
Ms Anderson was "thankful and proud" the community had chosen her to be on the board and was looking forward to it.
"We have the potential to work well together as a team for the benefit of West Harbour as whole," she said.
"West Harbour is a great place to live with a strong community."
As examples, she highlighted local events, including last weekend’s Foundry Festival, the opening of the Aramoana Playground and basketball court on Labour Day, and looked forward to the completion of the shared path from Dunedin to Port Chalmers.
Mr Hodson said he was excited and looking forward to working with "an amazing new team".
