The Invercargill City Council had its first meeting of the new term yesterday (4 Nov) and confirmed the appointments to its various committees.

The city’s new Mayor, Tom Campbell, and returning elected members Steve Broad, Alex Crackett, Grant Dermody, Trish Boyle, Ria Bond, Darren Ludlow, Ian Pottinger, Allan Arnold, and Barry Stewart were joined by new Councillors Andrea de Vries and Lisa Tou-McNaughton, as well as Marcus Lush, who served as an Invercargill City Councillor between 2021 and 2022.

Mayor Campbell said he was looking forward to getting to work alongside all elected members.

“There’s an interesting mix of experience and fresh thinking around the Council table, and we’re all focused on keeping things moving in a positive, thriving direction,” he said.

“I look forward to standing alongside all of our Councillors, and ensuring the community we serve is at the centre of our decision-making.”

Appointments confirmed at the meeting included:

• Councillor Grant Dermody – Deputy Mayor; Chairperson, Water Committee; Portfolio, Te Unua Museum of Southland; Council representative, Bluff Community Board
• Councillor Alex Crackett – Chairperson, Infrastructure and Growth Committee; Portfolio, Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ)
• Councillor Darren Ludlow – Chairperson, Community and Regulatory Committee
• Councillor Trish Boyle – Chairperson, Risk and Assurance Committee

An external chairperson for the Risk and Assurance Committee, Ross Jackson, was also appointed by elected members.