The five new members of the Methven Community Board have been officially declared elected to office.

Five residents stood for the five seats on the board, including incumbent board members Megan Fitzgerald, Richie Owen and Robin Jenkinson. They are now joined by Simon Wareing and Faye Barrand.

The community board members will be inducted into office late October, alongside the new mayor and Council decided in the upcoming Local Elections. The first meeting of the board is pencilled in for 10 November.

Retiring board chair Kelvin Holmes said the community was in good hands.

“There’s a good mix around the table and I’m certain they will enjoy the work, which is all about growing Methven and advocating for things that our community needs. We are all passionate about our place and I look forward to seeing the new Methven strategic plan continue to be rolled out.”

Methven people still need to vote in the Local Elections, as the district needs a new mayor and two Western Ward councillors.

Mr Holmes said voters could get to know the candidates in both contests at a meet-the-candidate evening in Methven on Wednesday 20 August.

“This is a good opportunity to come along, listen to them, and ask a few questions. It’s important people know who they’re voting for and why they want to represent their communities.”

The Methven meet-the-candidate event will be held at the Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, starting at 7pm.

Another candidate evening will be held at Ashburton College auditorium on Wednesday 27 August. This event will be livestreamed, and a recorded version available on Council’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

The two Eastern Ward candidates have also been officially declared elected by the Electoral Officer – incumbent Richard Wilson will be joined by Phill Everest.