At the Council’s inaugural meeting this week, Mayor Dan Gordon confirmed that Kaiapoi-Woodend Councillor Philip Redmond QSM will serve as Deputy Mayor for the first 18 months, before handing the role to Oxford-Ohoka Councillor Niki Mealings for the remainder of the term.

Mayor Gordon said the decision reflects a collaborative Council focused on district-wide leadership and progress.

“Our Council is a unified team, and we pride ourselves on working positively and collaboratively. Looking across the Council table, we are blessed with a wealth of experience and ability, which made choosing a single Deputy Mayor a difficult task,” he said.

“By sharing this role across two very capable and experienced Councillors, we ensure all wards have strong representation. It also strengthens our leadership and reflects our collaborative approach.”

The inaugural meeting serves as the official ‘kick-off’ for the new Council term. It is used to confirm election results, swear in Councillors, appoint committees, and announce key governance roles such as Deputy Mayor as well as portfolios.

Councillor Redmond said he was humbled by the appointment and was looking forward to the role and working closely with the Mayor and Councillor Mealings.

“I’m honoured by this appointment. It strengthens our leadership and reflects our commitment to working together for our communities.”

Councillor Mealings said she was honoured by the appointment which reflects our commitment to working together for our communities.

“I’m looking forward to working with a great incoming Council and I’m committed to supporting the Mayor alongside Councillor Redmond in helping Council achieve the best outcomes for Waimakariri.”

Appointment of Councillors to portfolios

Portfolio	Appointment
Deputy Mayor	Cr P Redmond to 30 April 2027 Cr N Mealings to end of term in October 2028
Audit, Risk Annual/Long Term Plans	Cr J Ward
Communications	Cr S Powell
Customer Service	Cr W Doody
Greenspace (Parks, Reserves and Sports Grounds)	Cr B Cairns
Community Facilities (including Aquatic Centres, Multi-use Sports Stadium, Libraries/Service Centres, Town Halls, and Museums)	Cr B McLaren
Sustainability & Climate Change	Cr N Mealings
Solid Waste	Cr N Mealings
Community Development and Wellbeing	Cr S Powell
Business, Promotion and Town Centres	Cr B Cairns
Mixed use and Business and Kaiapoi development	Cr T Bartle
District Planning	Cr C Mealings
Civil Defence and Regulation	Cr J Goldsworthy
Roading	Cr P Redmond
Drainage and Stockwater and Three Waters (Drinking Water, Sewer and Stormwater)	Cr T Fulton
Housing	Cr W Doody
Property	Cr P Redmond
Arts & Culture	Cr B Cairns
International relations	Deputy Mayor

Alongside appointments, Councillors highlighted priorities for the months ahead, including establishing a dedicated Water Services Unit, securing NZTA co-funding for the Rangiora Eastern Link, building facilities for our growing community, and building on momentum from the previous term.

The next Council meeting will be held on 4 November 2025.