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Waikato District Council’s newly elected Mayor Aksel Bech and councillors were officially sworn in on Tuesday, October 28, marking the start of a new term with a clear focus on strengthening community voice and improving local decision-making.
Bech said 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,” he said.
“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.”
Three new councillors were inaugurated at the ceremony: Grant Coombes (Newcastle-Ngaaruawaahia), Endine Dixon-Harris (Tai Raro Takiwaa Maaori Ward), and Fabio Rodrigues (Tuakau-Pookeno).
They join ten successfully re-elected councillors: Peter Thomson (Awaroa-Maramarua), David Whyte (Huntly), Mike Keir and Crystal Beavis (Tamahere-Woodlands), Vern Reeve (Tuakau-Pookeno), Marlene Raumati (Waerenga-Whitikahu) and Lisa Thomson (Whaaingaroa).
Councillors Carolyn Eyre (Western Districts) and Tilly Turner (Tai Runga Takiwaa Maaori Ward) were re-elected unopposed. Eugene Patterson (Newcastle-Ngaaruawaahia) was also named as the new deputy mayor.
“Affordability has to improve; transparency and accountability increase,” Bech said.
“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 be held on Monday, November 10.
