Inaugural Council Meeting, 29 October 2025

TIMESTAMP:
00:00:00 – Karakia Timatanga
00:01:45 – Apologies
00:02:30 – Conflicts of Interest Declaration
00:03:10 – Public Forum
00:06:00 – Youth Council Views
00:08:15 – 7.1 Declarations by Elected Members (note this took place in the lobby of the Wairarapa Events Centre, pre Teams recording began)
00:25:00 – 7.2 Valedictory Speech – Hon. Ron Mark (note this took place in the lobby of the Wairarapa Events Centre, pre Teams recording began)
00:35:00 – 7.3 Voting Procedures & Election of Deputy Mayor
00:55:00 – 7.4 Elected Members’ Remuneration
01:15:00 – 7.5 Local Water Done Well Stakeholder Forum Appointments
01:35:00 – 7.6 Governance Structure & Committee Appointments
02:05:00 – 7.7 Appointments to GWRC Regional Committees
02:15:00 – 7.8 Appointments to External Bodies
02:25:00 – 7.9 Standing Orders & Code of Conduct Confirmation
02:35:00 – 7.10 Triennial Elections Overview
02:45:00 – 7.11 Legal Obligations for Elected Members
02:55:00 – 7.12 Council Meeting Schedule Nov–Dec 2025
03:00:00 – Karakia Whakamutunga

Executive Summary – Inaugural Council Meeting | 29 October 2025
The Inaugural Council Meeting marked the formal commencement of the 2025–2028 triennium for Carterton District Council. Proceedings began with a karakia timatanga and included ceremonial, governance, and administrative items.

Key highlights included:
Swearing-in of Elected Members: The Mayor and Councillors made oral and written declarations as required under the Local Government Act 2002, witnessed by the Chief Executive and Mayor respectively, as well as friends and family who were welcomed to join the formalities.

Valedictory Speech: Outgoing Mayor Hon. Ron Mark delivered a farewell address reflecting on his term and thanking the community and staff.

Election of Deputy Mayor: The Council confirmed the voting procedure and elected Grace Ayling as Deputy Mayor for the 2025–2028 triennium.

Remuneration Decisions: Council agreed on a flat-rate remuneration structure for elected members, with an additional amount for the Deputy Mayor, to be submitted to the Remuneration Authority.

Appointments to Water Services Organisation: Council appointed representatives to the Stakeholder Forum for the Wairarapa–Tararua Water Services Organisation, enabling the next phase of regional water reform.

Governance Structure Adoption: Council confirmed its committee and advisory group structure, including the formation of new Community and Economic Development Advisory Groups, and continued Māori representation.

External Appointments: Members were appointed to Greater Wellington Regional Council committees and other external bodies.

Standing Orders and Code of Conduct: The current versions were confirmed for the new triennium, pending updates expected in 2026.

The meeting concluded with a karakia whakamutunga.

Disclaimer:
This executive summary and timestamp were generated using AI tools. Please watch the full video for full information.