Kawerau District Council has confirmed the appointment of Sela Kingi as Deputy Mayor, following an extraordinary council meeting on Wednesday.

Sela has served as a councillor since 2016 and is well known in the community for her strong whānau ties and commitment to local kaupapa.

She was nominated by Mayor Faylene Tunui, waith the nomination moved by Councillor Justin Ross and seconded with pleasure and congratulations by Councillor Berice Julian.

It is the first time Kawerau has had two wāhine Māori leading as Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Māori ward councillor Waikite Apiata was sworn in at the same meeting, having been unable to attend the official inauguration meeting.