Otago Regional Council (ORC) has welcomed three iwi representatives to its Environmental Policy and Science Committee and Regional Leadership Committee, plus another appointment to its Audit and Risk Committee.

ORC chair Gretchen Robertson welcomed the appointments, noting the high calibre of skills and expertise each of the members would bring to the decision-making table.

“Our partnership with iwi is important to all of the work we do at the ORC and having appointed members on our committees gives tangible effect to the partnership and provides for direct engagement and dialogue between councillors and iwi partners in policy and strategy discussions,” she said.

Edward Ellison ONZM, of Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, was appointed co-chair of the Environmental Science and Policy Committee, while Karen Coutts, of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki me Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, was appointed a member of the same committee. Hoani Langsbury MNZM, of Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, was appointed as a member of the Regional Leadership Committee.

The fourth appointee was Andrew Douglas, who would co-chair the Audit and Risk Committee.

The four appointments are paid positions and each has full voting rights on their respective committees. All four have recently attended committee meetings.

Gretchen said debates and considerations at the Audit and Risk Committee benefit from the addition of an independent member, which gives councillors confidence, knowing they are receiving objective advice and assurance.