The Murupara Community Board is looking for new members, after James Goldsmith and Tina Barnett reluctantly resigned earlier this month. Nominations are now open for the two extraordinary vacancies, and Board Chair Mere McLean encourages anyone who is passionate about giving back to the Murupara community to consider applying.
“Being part of a community board is a very fulfilling position,” she says. “Our vision is to empower and actively strengthen communities, which we do through a variety of ways including distributing funds, supporting local initiatives and getting involved in community projects.”
This board covers the Te Urewera General Ward and the Toi ki Uta and Rangitāiki Māori Wards areas and includes the Waiohau, Galatea, Murupara, Te Whaiti, Minginui and Ruatāhuna communities.
The Ward is split into three subdivisions for election onto the Board. Murupara has three members, Galatea has two and Te Urewera has one. The extraordinary vacancies are for the Murupara subdivision, although candidates do not necessarily need to live in that area. The Board meets throughout the ward every seven weeks, generally on a Monday at 10 am.
Ms McLean explains the time commitment required varies outside of the scheduled meetings, depending on what is happening in the rohe.
“You can be relatively flexible with how much time you want to give each month. There are always opportunities to get involved with different things that are going on, like engagement events and community planning sessions,” she says. “It’s worth noting there is remuneration attached to the position. While it’s voluntary, you’re also paid for some of your time.”
Nominations close at 12noon Wednesday, 13 September. Nominations forms are available from the Murupara Service Centre, Murupara and Whakatāne District Council Customer Services, 14 Commerce Street, Whakatāne, by calling the electoral office on 0800 922 822 or on the Whakatāne District Council website.
If more than two nominations are received, voting will open on Wednesday, 18 October and close Thursday, 9 November when the results will be announced.