There was no change at the head of the table as school principal Anna Harrison was again elected chair of the Cromwell Community Board on Monday afternoon (November 3) in what was a quick, straightforward decision.

Described by local government commentator Lady Cromwell as the “governess of governance” ahead of October’s election, Anna has already served three terms on the board, including two as chair.

Before taking over leading proceedings for what was the inaugural meeting of the board for the triennium, Anna said she had a “fantastic team around the table” and congratulated the Cromwell voting public on doing “an exceptional job” in selecting them.

Returning one-term member Wally Sanford was elected deputy chair, with Anna noting Wally’s history on the board of “asking really good questions” and keeping “everybody on their toes”.

A photographer captures an image of the new Cromwell Community Board at its inaugural meeting on Monday afternoon. Photo: The Central App

The board is made up of five members - four elected from within the Cromwell ward and one appointed councillor.

New members are Mike Casey, who owns an electric cherry orchard, and Rebecca Anderson, who works in administration at Cromwell College.

Anna said Mike has “enthusiasm” and “an entrepreneur’s spirit”, while Rebecca brings “pragmatism” and “a hard work ethic”.

Councillor Sarah Browne rounds out the team.

(Back from left) Sarah Browne, Rebecca Anderson, (front from left) Mike Casey, Anna Harrison and Wally Sanford. Photo: The Central App

The current structure represents a shift from previous terms, when three ward councillors were appointed to the board.

Anna described the move as “a bit of a change”, but not one that concerned her.

“I don’t think that our representation is going to be diminished, because you have a strong voice,” she said, directing her comment at Sarah, as the only councillor around the table.

District mayor Tamah Alley attended the meeting, held at the Cromwell Service Centre, complete with her mayoral chains, to officiate the signing in of the board members.

At the district’s first full council meeting in Alexandra at the end of October, Tamah said the drop in councillors on the Cromwell and Vincent boards this term brought them in line with Maniototo and Teviot Valley.

“It does mean a bit more work for those councillors, but I’m confident the ones that we’ve chosen are ready to do the mahi,” Tamah said.

She added having a single councillor on each community board would strengthen the connection between local boards and the full council by creating a clear “conduit” for community perspectives.

At the meeting, no decisions were made on community board liaisons to local organisations, including Cromwell and Districts Community Trust, Cromwell District Museum, Cromwell Youth Trust, Tarras Community Plan Group, and Cromwell and District Promotions Group, and members discussed how far the smaller board could stretch to cover roles previously filled.

How this will be managed moving forward will be workshopped at a later date, alongside consultation with existing and new groups.

Read more: New council sworn in, deputy mayor appointed