October 14, 2016
Eagle to be Wellington deputy mayor
Porirua has a Maori mayor and now its neighbour is getting a Maori deputy.
New Wellington mayor Justin Lester has chose southern ward councillor Paul Eagle as his number two.
Mr Eagle, who has Waikato Tainui whakapapa, told Radio New Zealand he has taken a Maori approach to being a councillor by talking to people on the ground and refusing to walk away from issues until they are settled.
He says Wellington has benefited from having Maori around the council table, himself for six years and Ray Ahipene Mercer for the past 16.
He hopes his appointment will lead to more Maori standing and getting elected.
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