Regret at Chairmans Resignation

Acting Chairman Christine Scott says that the resignation of Rex McIntyre as Chairman of Hawke's Bay Regional Council and Wairoa constituency Councillor is regrettable.

“Rex has represented the Wairoa district for 30 years on both the Catchment Board and the Regional Council, which is a great achievement in public service, and his knowledge and experience will be sadly missed,” said Cr Scott.

“He has been a champion for Wairoa, pushing for many issues over his 30 years. Significantly after Cyclone Bola he worked to ensure the community was able to recover quickly, he pushed for the restoration of both Lake Whakaki and Lake Tutira, and has been a strong advocate for improving the highway connection with Napier. Wairoa people have been well served.”

“And he has been a champion for Hawke’s Bay. He is proud of this region and has worked hard on its behalf. From improving soil and water, to pest control, to his passion for improving the transport links through the region so that our economy could prosper, he has served Hawke’s Bay.”

The Council is now seeking advice on the timing of the by-election that is now required to fill the Wairoa constituency seat and on the timing for the appointment of a new Chairman. Cr Christine Scott is Acting Chairman in the interim.

“It was with great regret that I had to advise the staff of the resignation of Rex McIntyre as Chairman of the Council and member for Wairoa,” said Chief Executive Andrew Newman.

“Rex has, in his 30 year political career through both the Hawke's Bay Catchment Board and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, represented both his own immediate community and the region with great personal commitment and passion. Personally, I have valued greatly the time I have spent working with Rex, and I know the staff and many people in the community have respected his commitment to his work as a Councillor and Chairman.”