The 2025-2028 Whakatāne District Council triennium began with a powerful pōhiri at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae yesterday.

The newly elected wing comprising the mayor, councillors and community board members, accompanied by their whānau and friends were welcomed under the shelter of Mataatua wharenui.

The pōhiri was a significant and emotional occasion, symbolising the beginning of the council’s shared journey in service to the Whakatāne district.

It also marked the start of new leadership under Mayor Nándor Tánczos, a three-term councillor and former Green MP.

Following the pōhiri, the inaugural council meeting was held at the Civic Centre, where Mr Tánczos was formally sworn in and presented with the mayoral chains by council chief executive Steven Perdia.

The mayor outlined his vision for the district, highlighting the importance of strengthening social infrastructure and deepening connections with all Whakatāne district communities.

Mr Tánczos acknowledged the three mayors he had worked with during his time as a councillor – Tony Bonne, Judy Turner and Victor Luca.

Addressing rates affordability, he said the solution was “not to turn off the lights and lock the doors, but to fling them open, to welcome and attract new talent, new energy, and new investment into this amazing place; to unlock the enormous potential in our communities.”  

He then invited councillors to make their declarations before announcing the appointment of Julie Jukes, a five-term councillor and previous committee chair, as deputy mayor.

The meeting concluded with reflections on the past triennium and acknowledgements of outgoing councillors and community board members for their service.

The council’s first business meeting of the new triennium will be held at 9am on Wednesday, November 19, in the Tōtara Room (council chambers). That meeting will consider reports on the governance structure and committee appointments; elected members remuneration, and adoption of the annual report.