The Teviot Community Board has a new member.

Curtis Pannett was sworn in at the community board meeting in Roxburgh yesterday.

Curtis replaced the board’s oldest serving member, Russell Read, who resigned last month.

The 87-year-old first joined the board for a term in 2015, and then again in 2022.

Board chair Norman Dalley acknowledged Russell’s contribution to the community at a recent meeting, and on his behalf said as a result of proposed changes made by the Central Otago District Council regarding its Registrar of Delegations, his former colleague did not believe he could continue.

It was believed the changes would reduce community board decision making powers in the district.

Council is expected to make a decision at its December meeting after listening to each of the community board chairs, on the new set of delegations, which will come into effect on July 1 next year.

The Teviot Valley board agreed to fill the seat vacated by Russell rather than leave it empty, putting forward a motion to nominate Curtis Pannett.

New Teviot Community Board member Curtis Pannett reads his declaration of office a meeting in Roxburgh yesterday. PHOTO: CENTRAL APP

Mayor Tamah Alley welcomed Curtis to the board, and the role yesterday, before the meeting continued.

Norman acknowledged the strong public gallery in yesterday’s meeting, with people sharing different concerns ranging from rubbish collection, to grass verges and also the Roxburgh pool - that was struggling to attract qualified lifeguards.

“I’m grateful that we have so many public speakers today. It just shows interest in the community,” Norman said.

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