New ES chairman promises collaboration, transparency

The new chairman of Environment Southland has promised both collaboration and transparency in his maiden speech.

On Tuesday, fourth-term councillor Jeremy McPhail was appointed chairman of the regional council in a unanimous decision by elected members.

Mr McPhail served as deputy to former chairman Nicol Horrell last term, and his claim on the top job did not appear to come as a complete surprise.

In a prepared speech, he said he was humbled by the confidence his fellow councillors had shown in him.

"As a farmer myself, I understand the practical challenges our rural sector faces, and I also know how deeply our communities value the environment we all depend on," he said.

"The strength of Southland lies in our ability to work together, to have open conversations and to find balanced, practical solutions that protect both our environment and our livelihoods."

Mr McPhail said the council would continue to work closely with iwi partners, local councils, industry and community groups.

"Together we can continue to make progress on the issues that matter most, improving water quality, building resilience to climate change ... and supporting sustainable land use across our region."

Second-termer Phil Morrison was selected as Mr McPhail’s deputy by unanimous decision, but committee structures and positions will not be decided until next month. At the first meeting of the term, four new members officially joined the council’s ranks — Rodger Hodson, Ewan Mathieson, David Rose and Geoffrey Young.