Former police officer Wayne Stevenson is looking forward to working with the community again.

Accompanied by his wife, Cecilia Burgess, Wayne was formally sworn in as Waihī Beach’s newest Community Board member at Council chambers.

He fills the vacant seat after the resignation of Alan Kurtovich in August.

Nominations for the position closed in November, with Wayne receiving 831 votes, ahead of Don Ryan.

Wayne moved to Waihī Beach with Cecilia three years ago, following a 27-year-career with the New Zealand Police.

“It’s exciting to be able to serve the community again. I will be working closely with the people of Waihī Beach, while also looking at things strategically and acknowledging the bigger picture,” says Wayne.

Mayor James Denyer welcomed Wayne to the Council whānau.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Wayne as the official Waihī Beach Community Board member and we look forward to working with him as he represents and advocates for his community.”

Wayne joins current Community Board members Dani Simpson, Heather Marie Guptill and Ross Goudie.