Laura Rae has officially taken her seat as a Western Bay of Plenty District Councillor.

Officially sworn in as the new Maketu – Te Puke Ward Councillor at this month’s full council meeting, Laura, of Ngati Whakaue, was accompanied by whānau and friends as she was welcomed into the role with a powhiri.

Previously chair of the Maketu Community Board, Laura says, as a young Māori wahine, she brings diversity to the Council table.

“I saw the need for equity and I wanted to make a difference because I really do care about both people and place. I felt that this was the best way forward on my journey, having started at the community board level,” says Laura.

“I am absolutely honoured to have taken up this role, and I just want to thank everybody who took the time to vote for me.”

A Climate Change Coordinator for Te Rūnunga O Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketū, Laura grew up in Maketu and is focused on bettering the place she calls home.

“I’m going to be spending a lot of time listening, to try to achieve better outcomes for everyone. We want to bring the people along with us and have a better place for our mokopuna, our tamariki, our kaumātua and everybody as a whole.”

A by-election was called for the Maketu–Te Puke Councillor seat after the sudden passing of Councillor Richard Crawford in March. Laura was elected to the role after receiving 1574 votes, ahead of Bernard Holmes (666) and Anthony Te Uruhi Wihapi (503).