Cromwell Community Board members were sworn in on Thursday (November 10) at their inaugural meeting, a week later than scheduled due to illness.

Central Otago District (CODC) councillor Anna Harrison, returning after a term as chair of the board, was re-elected to the role while Bob Scott (who has been on the board for just over a year) was elected deputy chair.

There were two other familiar faces in the Cromwell boardroom: Councillors Cheryl Laws and Neil Gillespie (also deputy mayor).

​The Cromwell Community Board for the 2022-2025 triennium; Back from left, Mary McConnell, Crs Neil Gillespie, Cheryl Laws and Sarah Browne; front row Anna Harrison (chair) and Bob Scott (deputy chair)

The board’s two newcomers, Cr Sarah Browne and Mary McConnell, signed their declarations of office.

The community board normally comprises seven members, four elected from within the Cromwell Ward, and three appointed councillors from the ward (Cheryl, Neil, and Sarah), meaning there remains a vacancy on the board.

Sarah’s election to the CODC triggered a by-election for the fourth seat. 

Nominations will open at the end of this month and close on December 22. Voting will take place between late January and mid February 2023, with the intention of having the new member sworn in for the March meeting.