Vicki Beachen, the newly-appointed member of the Tawa Community Board, being sworn in by the Deputy Mayor of Wellington, Alick Shaw. The occasion took place in the Council Offices in Cambridge St, Tawa, on Thursday evening, March 8th, 2007.

A seat on the Community Board was made vacant by the resignation of Penny Devine (who moved with her family to the South Island in January). As the vacancy arose less than 12 months before the next local body election, the Board had the option of either appointing a replacement or leaving the seat vacant until the election later this year.

Chair Ngaire Best says Vicki Beachen was the highest polling unsuccessful candidate at a Board by-election in April 2005. "The Board decided that it wanted a full complement because of the workload it faces."

Vicki Beachen will bring a wide range of local knowledge and experience to the Board. "Vicki grew up in Tawa and has worked as a youth worker and community coordinator in the northern suburbs. She has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to working for Tawa and we welcome her to the table."

Photo courtesy of Neil Price, Wellington City Council

More about the Tawa Community Board here.