Devonport-Takapuna Local Board now has a new chair, with Melissa Powell stepping into the role after being sworn in at the board’s business meeting on 18 March.
Powell takes up the role following the resignation of Toni van Tonder in February. Terence Harpur has now returned to his role as deputy chair after standing in as acting chair following van Tonder’s departure.
During the meeting, the board also decided to leave the remaining seat created by van Tonder’s departure vacant until the next election in October.
A member of the board since she was voted in during the 2022 election, Powell is a passionate advocate for developing communities, youth and underrepresented voices, building on years of experience in youth development in the not-for-profit sector.
"It’s a privilege to continue to serve our community at this time," Powell says.
"My area of focus for the next six months is to ensure the board makes good decisions around the table in a respectful manner for all people that come into our board room, and I will continue to advocate for flood victims and the environmental space. We live in paradise, and I plan to keep it that way."
Deputy Chair Terence Harpur is excited to see Powell take the reins of the board.
"Melissa has shown incredible leadership over the last two years in the aftermath of the 2023 floods, advocating strongly for communities, helping people directly and enabling clearer communication for everyone. She has a strong collaborative style and has shown she is able to connect effectively with all members of our community. Melissa is smart, articulate, strategic and detail focused and will make a fantastic chair, and I look forward to supporting her in the role," Harpur says.
Stay up to date
Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area?
Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest direct to your inbox each month.
