November 29, 2023
Turbulent waters at Northland council
In a curious coup, the two Māori members on Northland Regional Council have teamed up with the three conservative farmers to oust progressive members from their leadership spots.
Tui Shortland, the first wahine Māori to head a regional council, resigned at yesterday’s meeting and was replaced as chair by Geoff Crawford.
In a 5-4 vote, Jack Craw was dumped as deputy chair and replaced by Ms Shortland.
Cr Shortland was also made co-chair of Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party, replacing councillor Marty Robinson.
Councillors Amy MacDonald and Rick Stolwerk were also removed from their committees.
Mr Crawford says leadership changes can be an unsettling time, and he will work hard to ensure the organisation’s work, partnerships and commitments run as smoothly as possible – from both governance and operational perspectives.
Councillor Shortland says although her recent time on council had been challenging, the changes were an integral part of the council’s growth and commitment to effective governance.
At the start of the month the council released its freshwater plan, which is opposed by the region’s farmers.