Ashburton District’s deputy mayor will be Cr Richard Wilson.

Mayor Liz McMillan made the announcement at today's inaugural Council meeting, saying Cr Wilson’s experience in governance roles and work in the rural community made him a great fit for the role.

“Richard has a farming background and is well respected in the rural community, and we’ll make an excellent team representing and advocating for this district.”

Cr Wilson said it was an honour to be Deputy Mayor. “Mayor McMillan and I complement each other well and we have different interests, which helps us to understand and serve our whole community better.”

He said he would continue to advocate for open debate and decisions, especially as Council embedded its inhouse water services business unit. “We need to make good governance decisions around that for the community.”

Cr Wilson has been farming for 35 years, after attending Lincoln University and working for the Rural Bank. He has also been chair of the RDR Management Ltd, which governs the operation of the Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR).

“There have been many changes in both farming and water landscapes over the years, and both are important to Mid Canterbury. Understanding people’s goals and managing expectations are skills I’ve learned along the way.

“I know as Deputy Mayor that I have new responsibilities, but I’m still aiming to keep a few spots on the tractor roster.”

Mayor McMillan said Cr Wilson provided essential balance in the leadership of Council.

“Overall, we have a really good mixture of experienced and new councillors, and I can see the whole team will have an important part to play. We’re all looking forward to getting down to business.”