Waitaki District Mayor, Councillors and Community Board sworn in

Published on 23 October 2025

Ceremony at Oamaru Opera House, with Deputy Mayor for 2025 – 2028 announced

The elected Mayor, Councillors and most Community Board members were sworn in at the inauguration ceremony held at Oamaru Opera House on Wednesday evening.

Mayor Melanie Tavendale announced that her Deputy Mayor will be Councillor Rebecca Ryan, who received the highest vote total for the Oamaru Ward in the 2025 Local Government Elections.

The ceremony was opened by Mani Molloy-Sharplin with a karakia, before the newly elected Mayor, Councillors and Community Board members were led into the auditorium by piper Jonty Nelson.

This was followed by an introduction by Council’s Chief Executive Alex Parmley before a mihi and waiata from Upoko David Higgins and whanau representing Te Runanga o Moeraki. Students from the Oamaru Intermediate School’s Kapa Haka group sang the National Anthem, and Waitaki Girls High School’s Polyfest group performed before the ceremony began.

The Mayor, Councillors and Community Board members were then sworn in.

Following the swearing in, there was a blessing from Pastor Damien Goodsir before a Karakia from Mani Molloy-Sharplin of Te Runanga o Moeraki.

Mayor Tavendale said, “Thank you again Waitaki, for your support. We don’t take it lightly. We will rise to the challenge, and we are here to serve. Nga mihi nui”

Those Community Board members who could not attend will be sworn in at the first Community Board meeting of the triennium.

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz