Council elects new Deputy Mayor of Taupo

Councillor Don Ormsby was elected as Deputy Mayor of the Taupo district yesterday by his fellow Councillors.

Cr Ormsby was nominated by Mayor Rick Cooper, who said Cr Ormsby’s honest attitude, love for the Taupo district and its people, and ability to think freely made him the perfect candidate. “I have complete faith in Don that if something was to happen to me that he could take my place and do a fantastic job.”

The nomination was seconded by Cr Doreen Blyth, who agreed with Mayor Cooper’s sentiments. Cr Blyth, who is on the Emergency Management Committee, also added the importance of having a Deputy Mayor in cases of emergency like last year’s Waihi Village landslip risk, and SH5 snowstorm and closure.

There were no further nominations, and Cr Ormsby was declared the Deputy Mayor. Cr Ormsby is also Chairman of the Turangi-Tongariro Community Board, and the Regulatory and Hearings Committee, and says he is happy to further serve the district with this addition to his duties.

“I thank my fellow Councillors for their support and confidence in me for this position, and I will do the job to the best of my abilities for the coming eight months,” says Cr Ormsby.

The need for a new deputy arose in December last year when Councillor Christine McElwee resigned her position as Deputy Mayor. Cr McElwee retains her position as Councillor.