Council members present were Acton Smith, Ken Scott, chairman Julian Smith, Superintendent Bob Burns, Major Peter Aymes, of the 4th Battalion (Otago and Southland), Colonel Roger McElwain, commanding officer of the 4th Battalion (Otago and Southland), New Zealand Defence Force Reserve Force director-general and Youth Development director Brigadier Sean Trengrove, Royal New Zealand Navy Surgeon Captain Alison Drewry, Royal New Zealand Navy Dunedin Resident Naval Officer Lieutenant-commander Ian Marshall, Major Lawrence Nicholas, of the 4th Battalion (Otago and Southland), and Burnham Youth Development Cell commanding officer Major Ross James.
Brig McElwain said the council, which was formed in 2008 as an offshoot of the national Territorial Forces Employer Support Council, was in a good position to support the forces' limited-service volunteer programmes and other youth activities.
"We see some wonderful kids through our programmes, and the council has a vital and strong link with the employers in its community.
"It would be great to develop the council's role in that direction."
The idea to expand the role of the support councils will be discussed at a national meeting next month.
