Aotea’s new local board was officially sworn in at the Claris Conference Centre on Thursday, marking the start of the 2025–2028 term.
Izzy Fordham was re-elected chair and Christopher Ollivier deputy chair at the meeting, which followed a formal pōwhiri attended by Waitematā and Gulf councillor Mike Lee, Auckland Council executives, and members of the island’s community groups.
Auckland Council’s Director of Policy, Planning and Governance, Megan Tyler, congratulated the new board, saying she acknowledged the “service you are doing for your community, along with all the other roles and jobs you’re doing in this amazing community.” Lou-Ann Ballantyne, General Manager of Governance and Engagement, was also in attendance.
The board’s five members — Fordham, Ollivier, Neil Sanderson, Ryan Daly and Nikki Watts — each read their official declaration at the lectern, supported by friends and family. Fordham, Ollivier and Sanderson return from the previous term, while Daly and Watts are newly elected.
The ceremony included a performance by Kaitoke School’s kapa haka group before the food was blessed to close proceedings.
Aotea recorded Auckland’s highest voter turnout at 56.2 percent, nearly double the regional average.
Before the election, Fordham said the island would need “an experienced political voice” as it transitions into the Auckland Unitary Plan. Daly said he was eager “to get stuck in to get stuff done,” while Watts said she had received “lovely feedback from people looking forward to seeing how I can help the community.”
The new board will now set its priorities for the coming term, overseeing local infrastructure, parks, and environmental programmes.
