Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chair Toni van Tonder has stepped down from her position as chair and elected member of the board, providing her resignation effective 18 February 2025, in a notice to chief executive Phil Wilson.
Van Tonder was elected to the board in 2019, then voted in as chair in 2022. During her time as chair, she has played a key role in the development of the planned Takapuna library and Community Hub, the shift to the Community Activation funding model for community events and initiatives and funding allocations to repairs of the Kennedy Park stairs and historic WWII barracks building at 139 Beach Road in Castor Bay.
“My family has been presented an exciting opportunity that we’ve decided to take, but this sees us moving away for a bit,” explains van Tonder.
“Whilst it’s a huge disappointment for me not to finish the triennium, I know I leave a fabulous cohesive and collaborative board who will continue to represent the community with full commitment. It has been an absolute honour chairing the local board for the last two and a half years and being an elected member representing this community for nearly six years.
“I’ve learned huge amounts, made many new friends from all walks of life, and have consistently been floored by the passion and generosity each of you has for the place you call home, and the people who share it with you. What a privilege it has been.”
The board will decide on the appointment of a new chair - and whether to fill the vacancy created by van Tonder’s resignation before the next election this October - at its 18 March Business Meeting.
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