New council reflects Porirua city diversity

New Zealand has yet to crack diversity in local government representation, but one city that has elected a representative council is Porirua.

Of the 14 elected representatives to win seats in Porirua city, three are under the age of 30; four are Pacific Island and two are Maori.

Mayor Jenny Brash, on her fourth and final term in office, says she is thrilled with the make-up of the new Council.

“We have three new young Councillors under the age of 30. Hemi Matenga is the youngest at 24 and is joined by Timothy Manu in presenting a youthful voice around the Council table. Both had also been previously active on the Youth Council and it’s great to see how these forums can groom our young people for greater responsibility later on.

“Nick Leggett, our other young councillor comes with previous Council experience having served two terms before standing down at the last election. Nick was just 17 when he was elected nine years ago and he learned quickly and well so I am really pleased to welcome him back and the experience he brings.”

Mayor Brash says 46% of the Porirua population is under the age of 30 so having Councillors within this age bracket is extremely important for the City.

“We recognise that young people make up a significant part of our community and we need to be making decisions that take them into account.”

In all, six new faces have joined Porirua City Council. They are Tim Sheppard, Henry Smith, Denys Latham, Tim Manu, Hemi Matenga and Nick Leggett.

The incumbent Councillors are Litea Ah Hoi, Taima Fagaloa, Euon Murrell, Sue Dow, Robert Shaw, Liz Kelly and Ken Douglas.

The ethnic make-up of the City is also represented. The 2006 Census results showed that 20.9% of people living in Porirua City identified as Maori; 26.6% as Pacific Island and 64.9% as European. (Some identify with more than one ethnic group).