New Council Term Begins With Inaugural Meeting At Murihiku Marae

Tuesday spelled new beginnings for the Invercargill City Council, with an inaugural meeting to mark a new term held at the Murihiku Marae in Invercargill.

Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt, son Declan, deputy mayor Toni Biddle, her father Bruce, and newly elected city councillors were all present. Iwi were also proud to put a cloak around Toni Biddle, who is the only Maori on the council.

Shadbolt gave a speech about moving forward as a team and making changes and even sang a waiata for his marae hosts.

Before the meeting commenced, kaumatua Michael Skerrett addressed the councillors and stated that they needed builders. He urged them to get on with the job.

Afternoon tea was shared at the marae before each newly elected councillor was given the chance to speak during the inaugural meeting.