Taranaki Regional Council Chairperson Charlotte Littlewood has announced her resignation as chair.
Mrs Littlewood confirmed her intention to see out her term as Councillor, and resign from the chairperson role, effective 18 February 2025.
“Due to changes in my personal circumstances, I am relocating to Christchurch. This makes it untenable to fulfil the responsibilities of the chairperson role, so I am stepping down,” she says.
“I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments we have achieved during my time on the Council and as chair – in particular securing additional external funding and undertaking the Yarrow Stadium rebuild project without increasing the burden on ratepayers. Last year’s community engagement to help shape the future of our freshwater plan was also a real highlight for me. Through this process we got a much richer understanding of what the community wants, which helps ensure Council policy reflects community aspirations.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have led this Council team and I want to express my sincere appreciation for the support and dedication of my colleagues around the Council table. I’ve also had great support from the executive and council officers, which has helped me immensely in the role.
“I intend to stay on as a councillor until the local body elections later this year but won’t stand again. I will work closely with the new chair, who will be elected at the 18 February council meeting, to ensure a seamless handover of chairperson responsibilities.
“It has been a privilege to serve the people of Taranaki as chair, and I want to thank the many people from the business, farming and wider community who have supported me.”
Council Chief Executive Steve Ruru paid tribute to Mrs Littlewood and her contribution as chairperson.
“Charlotte’s leadership and unwavering dedication to the Council and its goals has made a lasting and positive impact on the region. Her guidance and wisdom as chair has helped us steer a steady course through a rapidly changing environment.”