Christine Garey

Councillor Christine Garey has been appointed Dunedin's new deputy mayor.

Mayor-elect Aaron Hawkins announced the appointment, and committee chair positions for the Dunedin City Council this afternoon.

Runner-up in the mayoral elections Lee Vandervis will not be heading up any committees on the new council.

The finance and council-controlled organisations committee will be led by Mike Lord with deputy Doug Hall; community and culture will be led by Marie Laufiso with deputies Ms Garey and Carmen Houlahan; infrastructure services Jim O'Malley with deputy Jules Radich; planning and environment David Benson-Pope with deputies Sophie Barker and Steve Walker; economic development Chris Staynes with deputies Andrew Whiley and Rachel Elder.

Mr Whiley has been made head of the bylaws subcommittee and Ms Garey will lead the grants subcommittee.

Mr Hawkins said he was excited about the diversity of skills and talent the election delivered, and all councillors would have important roles to play under his leadership.

He said all councillors were offered positions, whether as committee chairs or deputy chairs.

“I’ve met individually with the councillors this week to discuss their hopes and aspirations for this term. Wherever possible, my appointments reflect those discussions and recognise councillors’ areas of interest.

“The election has delivered a diverse range of talent and skills around the Council table and my expectation is that all councillors, regardless of their appointments, will have much to contribute over the next three years,” he said.