Pip Burne Declared as Council Representative for the Ruataniwha Ward in Central Hawke’s Bay

Final votes in the Ruataniwha Ward by-election 2020 have been counted and Pip Burne has been declared as the newest elected member of Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, for the remainder of the triennium.

Ms Burne returned 1,469 votes in total at this year’s by-election.  The voter return across the ward was 49.83%, being 2,590 votes.

Ms Burne is thrilled with the result staying; “Thank you to all of those who have elected me to represent them in Central Hawke’s Bay.

“We have such an opportunity to build a fantastic future for our beautiful district and I look forward to being a voice for the residents and ratepayers of the Ruataniwha Ward.”

Located in Waipawa, Ms Burne wants to shape a bright future for Central Hawke’s Bay by ensuring decisions are sustainable and in the best interests for our community. She is determined to give everyone a chance to have their say by being a Councillor who represents the everyday resident and ratepayer.

Ms Burne has been involved in a number of community groups for many years, with one of her first being the Waipawa 150th committee. She is currently involved in the Waipawa Spring Festival and The Summer Series committees and is proud to be part of the group involved in the refurbishment of the Waipawa and Districts Centennial Memorial Pool.

Three nominations were received to fill the extraordinary vacancy for the Ruataniwha Ward in Central Hawke’s Bay, which spans areas across Waipawa and Waipukurau. The candidates were: Pip Burne, Rob Kent and Tony Kuklinski. The election was conducted by postal voting using the first past the post electoral system and closed at midday today, Friday 16 October.

Central Hawke’s Bay is represented by nine elected members which includes a Mayor, and eight Councillors representing two wards, the Ruataniwha Ward and the Aramoana / Ruahine Ward, each with four seats.

This year’s by-election was required to fill one extraordinary vacancy on the Council following the recent passing of Councillor Tim Chote, who represented the Ruataniwha Ward.

Alex Walker, Mayor of Central Hawke’s Bay, says; “A big congratulations to Pip! It is exciting to have the support of your community to represent them and I am sure you will do the people of the Ruataniwha Ward proud.

"Central Hawke's Bay is facing a wide array of opportunities and challenges and the Council team are working hard to create a hugely positive long term future of the District."

“Welcome to the Council team!"

Monique Davidson, Chief Executive of Central Hawke’s Bay District Council says; “I want to thank each of our candidates who stood to represent the Ruataniwha Ward at this year’s by-election.

“Congratulations to Pip. I look forward to working with you closely for the remainder of the triennium to continue the work we are doing to ensure the Central Hawke’s Bay community thrives.”

The date for Ms Burne’s official swearing in is to be set by the Council.

A full list of results of the election can be found on the Council website here.

21 October 2020

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