New portfolios announced for councillors

Taupo District Mayor David Trewavas has announced the establishment of portfolios for Taupo District councillors to give the community a point of contact for specific areas.

Deputy Mayor Rosie Harvey gains responsibility for community organisations, with first term councillor Christine Rankin drawing on her corporate experience to take responsibility for economic development and business.

Councillor Rosanne Jollands will oversee growth plans and strategy, with sport and recreation becoming the responsibility of Councillor Anna Park, who will also oversee the youth portfolio for the district's young people.

Councillor John Boddy picks up responsibilities for older members of the community, with Councillor John Williamson to become the environment portfolio-holder.

Arts and culture will be the responsibility of Councillor Barry Hickling, while Mangakino councillor Kirsty Trueman will hold responsibility for health and education, and Turangi councillor Tangonui Kingi will head the cultural portfolio.

Mr Trewavas said giving councillors portfolio responsibilities helped give the community a point of contact who is invested in a certain sector of the district.

"Using our elected members' strengths and experiences means the community has a go-to person they can build a relationship with and use to positively assist them to achieve their goals and aspirations in a particular area.

"Our line-up of councillors is a very strong one with an array of talent and experience, so it makes sense to capitalise on that."

Mr Trewavas invited the community to contact councillors at any time, with contact details available on council's website here.