I have said many times that the council I had the privilege of leading over the past term would have been one of the best in the country, so I am thrilled to have all of the members of that council that put their hands up to come back to get in, alongside newcomers Sally Feinerman and Sarah Browne.

This is going to be a very interesting and challenging three years as we navigate some very choppy waters, with things like the 3 Waters, Resource Management and Future for Local Government reforms alongside continuing growth pressures and totally unpredictable economic times worldwide ahead of us. 

A smart, nimble council such as this will be will serve the community well.

I also welcome a number of fresh faces to our community boards.

One other interesting thing to note; the council I lead now has more women than men sitting around the table; how times have changed from back in 2012-2016 when Clair Higginson was the sole female voice.

I am really excited for the next three years.