Kia ora koutou katoa, greetings to all across the Kōhi rohe. As your elected member representing Kōhi Māori ward of Toi Moana (Bay of Plenty Regional Council), it is my privilege to share the first of many regular updates about what our council is doing, how we work, and the issues that matter for our people and places, writes Dr Mawera Karetai.

In October, elections were held for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, alongside other councils around the motu.

The election results saw a return of some experienced councillors, and the election of a significant group of new councillors, including both Māori and general seats, sworn in to serve our rohe. You, the electors, voted for change.

Our formal first meeting saw all councillors take their declarations in either te reo Māori or English, the start of a new team working for all who call our region home.

At our inaugural council hui, one of the first key tasks was electing a new chair and deputy chair.

This decision happened through a formal voting process, where we, the councillors, selected our leadership team for the triennium.

These roles are crucial as they set the direction for our mahi and facilitate effective council governance.

At this first meeting, we unanimously elected Matemoana McDonald to be our chair.

Matemoana’s proven leadership style is inclusive strength-based leadership that enables everyone at the table to work in their areas of expertise for the benefit of the whole community.

And this shows already in our decision-making.  

We also unanimously elected new councillor Glenn Dougal to be our deputy chair.

Glenn has a track record of good governance, strong financial acumen, and clear communication.

As councillors, we each bring a range of lived and professional experience to the council table, whether in environmental policy, finance, iwi engagement, community resilience, and so much more.

This month we were elected to various council and community-based committees, reflecting our strengths and experience in those areas.

Committee membership allows us to focus on areas where we can make the biggest impact for those we serve.

One of our most urgent priorities for this term, affecting the Bay of Plenty, is climate action.

That’s why we’ve established a regional Climate Change Action Group, designed to bring together staff, councillors, climate professionals, hapū, iwi, and community voices.

I would like to see this group build a clear, shared understanding of what is happening across Toi Moana in three areas: climate mitigation efforts (reducing emissions and destructive practices), climate adaptation (preparing our places and people ready for change), and managed retreat (supporting communities where future relocation may become necessary due to climate impacts).

This work isn’t just about technical plans; it’s about climate justice, supporting community-led change, and ensuring a prosperous, resilient future for all our whānau.

I will write more about the work of this committee over the coming months.

Over the next three years, I’ll use this column to keep our communities informed and connected with council priorities and activities.

Expect candid updates about big decisions, emerging issues in Kōhi and across Toi Moana, and opportunities for you to have your say. My commitment is to support our community, and to facilitate real partnership, so we can make the best possible decisions for today, and for those who will follow us.

He waka eke noa – we are all in this together.

Noho ora mai.