Peden to head community board

Banks Peninsula Community Board members Howard Needham, Reuben Davidson, deputy chairman Tyrone...
Banks Peninsula Community Board members Howard Needham, Reuben Davidson, deputy chairman Tyrone Fields, Nigel Harrison, Jamie Stewart, Deputy Mayor and councillor Andrew Turner and chairwoman Tori Peden had their inaugural meeting on Monday. PHOTO: Neil Macbeth
Tori Peden has been sworn in as the new chairwoman of the Banks Peninsula Community Board.

The Little River resident of 18 years is “nervous and excited” to take on a range of projects coming up over the next three years.

The main issue she wants to push hard for is establishing a destination management plan that ensures communities are looked after during tourism seasons.

Ms Peden was elected to the position during an inaugural meeting on Monday, with Tyrone Fields re-elected to serve as deputy chairman for another term.

She will fill the shoes of former chairwoman Pam Richardson, who retired from the position last term along with four other board members.

Ms Peden is one of three to return to the community board, along with Mr Fields and Deputy Mayor and city councillor Andrew Turner.

She believes continuity and experience helped secure her spot as chairwoman over newcomers Howard Needham, Jamie Stewart and Nigel Harrison. She said she is excited to learn the dynamics of the new community board.

“New personalities come on board and also new strengths, which we are looking forward to working with,” she said.

The community board had three women last term but now Ms Peden is the only female representing Banks Peninsula.

However, she said having three women in the “fantastic” governance team will help to balance it out.

The Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board also has its inaugural meeting on Monday.

Sally Buck has been unanimously re-elected as chairwoman and Alexandra Davids will take on the role of deputy chairwoman for the first time.