Waikato District Council’s newly elected Mayor Aksel Bech and councillors were officially sworn in Tuesday 28 October, marking the start of a new term with a clear focus on strengthening community voice and improving local decision-making.
Mayor Aksel says the new Council is committed to working with communities to deliver essential services in a way that represents real value for ratepayers.
“It is an incredible honour to serve as Mayor and to lead a Council that puts communities first,” says Mayor Aksel. "Empowering our communities and giving them a genuine voice at the table is the foundation for a future where every community thrives. That must be our way forward."
The Council includes representatives from across the district’s diverse communities, each bringing unique perspectives and local knowledge to the table.
Three new councillors were inaugurated in the ceremony: Grant Coombes (Newcastle-Ngāruawāhia), Endine Dixon-Harris (Tai Raro Takiwā Māori Ward) and Fabio Rodrigues (Tuakau-Pōkeno).
They join ten successfully re-elected Councillors: Peter Thomson (Awaroa-Maramarua), David Whyte (Huntly), Mike Keir and Crystal Beavis (Tamahere-Woodlands), Vern Reeve (Tuakau-Pōkeno), Marlene Raumati (Waerenga-Whitikahu) and Lisa Thomson (Whāingaroa). Councillors Carolyn Eyre (Western Districts) and Tilly Turner (Tai Runga Takiwā Māori Ward) were re-elected unopposed. Eugene Patterson (Newcastle-Ngāruawāhia) was also named as the new Deputy Mayor.
“Affordability has to improve, transparency and accountability increase,” says Mayor Aksel. “Local government is complex and change is difficult, but we are up for that challenge and the mahi begins today.”
The swearing-in ceremony, held in Ngaaruawaahia, formally confirmed the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and ward councillors for the 2025–2028 triennium.
The next Council meeting will take place on Monday 10 November.
