Invercargill’s newly elected representatives have officially taken up their positions at a swearing-in ceremony held at the Civic Theatre.

The 12 city councillors, led by new Mayor Tom Campbell, and members of the five-strong Bluff Community Board took part in the ceremony yesterday.

A welcome from Reverend Evelyn Cook, who served as the mana whenua representative for the Waihōpai Rūnaka during the last triennium, set the tone for a night of reflection and celebration.

Outgoing Mayor Nobby Clark also shared his parting thoughts, while the incoming Mayor Tom Campbell spoke on his vision for the city’s next chapter and Council Chief Executive Michael Day shared some words of wisdom.

Mayor Campbell said the swearing-in ceremony was an opportunity for elected members to come together to celebrate. “I would expect every one of us would agree that being elected to represent and lead our community is a tremendous privilege, and something that holds a great deal of importance to us all,” he said.

“The swearing-in ceremony is a poignant opportunity for each of us to join together in unity, as we celebrate our community’s next chapter. I am very much looking forward to working alongside all of our elected members, as we help to shape Invercargill and Bluff’s future.” This term will see two new elected members at the Council table.

Both Andrea de Vries and Lisa Tou-McNaughton were set to attend their inaugural full Council meeting on Tuesday, 4 November, alongside returning elected members Campbell, Steve Broad, Alex Crackett, Grant Dermody, Trish Boyle, Darren Ludlow, Ria Bond, Ian Pottinger, Allan Arnold, and Barry Stewart.

Marcus Lush, who served as an Invercargill City Councillor between 2021 and 2022, will also return to the Council table this term.

Meanwhile, Jo Eruera, Ray Fife, Frazer Murdoch, Haylee Simeon, and Justin Sutherland were elected to the Bluff Community Board.

Invercargill City Council's first meeting would be held on Monday, 24 November.

Newly elected representatives to the Southland District Council are (standing, from left) are Cr Matt Wilson, Cr Paul Duffy, Cr Tom O'Brien, Cr Sarah Greaney, Cr Jon Spraggon, Cr Jaspreet Boparai, Cr Michael Weusten, Cr Brian Somerville, Cr Philip Dobson and Cr Don Byars; (sitting) Deputy Mayor Christine Menzies, Mayor Rob Scott, chief executive Cameron McIntosh and Cr Julie Keast (standing). Photo: Southland District Council/Facebook

Newly elected and re-elected members of the Southland District Council also made their declarations in chambers before going straight into their first meeting.

The 2025 Gore District Council. Photo: Gore District Council/Facebook

Gore District Mayor Ben Bell has appointed Councillor Joe Stringer as his Deputy Mayor.

Councillor Stringer's business acumen and deep understanding of both our rural communities and commercial sector make him an ideal choice for this role, Bell said.

The new Gore council is set to implement a new streamlined governance structure, moving away from the previous committees to portfolios. Council meetings will continue to be monthly, while Risk and Assurance, will be bi-monthly.

The change is designed to simplify council, while making it easier for residents and business owners to contact the right councillor to raise issues with.

"We have listened and learned from the previous term," Bell said.

"By moving to a more streamlined structure and reducing duplication, we can ensure our team is focused on delivering for our community rather than tied up in multiple committee meetings."