Brent Maru to head Community Board

Brent Maru

Peter Canton

October 28th, 2016
[by David Armstrong]

Two popular Motueka community leaders, Brent Maru and Peter Canton, have been elected or appointed to key roles in local politics.

At the inaugural, swearing-in meeting of the new Motueka Community Board last week, Brent was elected by fellow board members to be chairman of the body for the next three years.

And at yesterday's full meeting of the Tasman District Council, Peter's appointment as chair of the important Community Development standing committee was also confirmed.

Both are expected to play leading roles in the further development of the Motueka ward and the Tasman district as a whole.

Brent Maru is one of Motueka's highest profile community leaders, for many years being part of the management team of the Recreation Centre and active in youth activities.

He is also chairman of the Motueka High School Board of Trustees and so has his finger on the pulse of key Motueka organisations. He has vast experience in working with local and central government and funding agencies.

Richard Horrell, who has served on the Motueka Community Board the past three years and in earlier terms, was elected as Deputy Chair of the community board. Although quiet in his previous term, his new role will enable him to step up with further responsibilities.

The third community board member is energetic newcomer Claire Hutt, who says she is keen to learn the local government processes and throw herself into the job, particularly on projects which will improve facilities for families.

A by-election will be held in February for the fourth seat on the board, which became vacant when previous board chairman Paul Hawkes was elected as Tasman Councillor.

Richard Horrell Claire Hutt Dana Wensley David Ogilvie Paul Hawkes

Peter Canton is now in his second term as Councillor, and will serve alongside the two newcomers, Paul Hawkes and David Ogilvie.

Peter will also chair the Community Grants, Creative Communities and Community Awards sub-committees. With Paul he will also represent TDC on the Motueka Airport Advisory Group.

Peter admits he had a quiet first three years as he came to grips with the often convoluted workings of Council and its formal proceedings, but over the past year has increasingly made his voice count, and is looking forward to using what he has learned to good effect in a new Council which has more newcomers than incumbent members.

Community Development is one of the four main Council committees, and the portfolio includes a range of responsibilities from parks and reserves to libraries and museums, along with recreational and cultural matters.

Of further interest is the appointment of Dana Wensley as his deputy. Although Dana will represent the Richmond ward, where she was the top-polling candidate, she is well known to Motueka people who saw her grow up and until recently live here.

David Ogilvie, who has past experience as a Councillor, will chair the District Licensing and Audit & Risk committees and serve on the Commercial committee.

Comment by Rochelle Whitwell-Archer:
[Posted 29 October 2016]

Awesome ... I still think of you as that nice (slightly geeky but friendly) boy in my class ... Parkland's School .. before I think Rec centre, MSS Dad ... etc etc.... Congrats, Arohanui

Comment by Malcolm Garrett:
[Posted 29 October 2016]

Very warm welcome to a very important job. We need your energy!

Comment by Bev Clementson:
[Posted 29 October 2016]

Good one Brent, congratulations.

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