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One of the Waikato Regional Council’s two new Maori ward representatives, Tipa Mahuta, has been appointed the council’s deputy chair in a surprise vote.
Bloc voting by the Rates Control ticket, which won six of the 14 seats, gave the chair's job to Paula Southgate over former Hamilton mayor and former National MP Bob Simcock, who had been expected to win.
Rates Control councilors also voted for Ms Mahuta over Ms Southgate’s nominee.
Ms Mahuta, the sister of Waikato Hauraki MP Nanaia Mahuta, is also a member of Tainui's Te Arataura executive, Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust and Waikato Raupatu River Trust.
She says she is keen to position iwi interests well and extend the council's co-management relationships.
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