Tokoroa Ward Councillor Rebekah Garner resigned from the South Waikato District Council this week.
She told her fellow elected members that she had weighed up personal priorities and had come to the decision to step down immediately from her Council role.
“I have chosen to put my health and family first and I just can’t give Council the dedication it requires,” she said.
“I’ve really enjoyed my two years on Council and learnt a lot from other Councillors and the CE Susan [Law] and I 100% support the work and excellent job they are doing in getting our District back on track.”
Mayor Gary Petley said he understood the tough decision she had made and totally respected her for making the call after two years of community service with the Council.
“Rebekah has been a hugely supportive Councillor who understood the direction of Council and the delivery of our services,” he said. “I want to personally thank her for support to me in my role as Mayor and wish her all the best for the future.”
Because the resignation has come within one year of the next local government election, under legislation there is no need for a by-election.
However, Council staff will now prepare a report for Councillors to consider their options to either fill the vacancy or not under the Local Government Act for the next Council meeting.
Garner was in her first term as a Councillor, and secured 1795 votes at the 2022 election.
