“Strong, dynamic and successful”: female councillors turning the table

Margaret Forsyth says she is “very excited by the potential of this Council”. Photo: HCC

There are now six female councillors around the HCC table; a dynamic Margaret Forsyth says makes her excited for the potential of this triennium.

“We women on Council are all strong, dynamic and successful in our own right,” said Forsyth.

“We will bring a different energy, a different world view and a more balanced representation which may very well change the flavour of decisions of previous councils.

“Mayor Southgate has already set the expectation of respectful and professional conduct.

“The committee and leadership structure mean that all councillors have responsibilities in committee.”

Forsyth has returned as a councillor having previously served in 2010-2016 and is now the Chair of the Environment Committee with first-time councillor and community lawyer Sarah Thompson as deputy chair.

She hopes to achieve specific targets around tree-planting, gully restoration and waste management.

“I believe HCC can lead the way with how a city can enhance and preserve its green environment while delivering its core city services – e.g. transport corridors, parks, waste management, water management.”

“We will revisit our Climate Action Plan and make sure that HCC priorities are consistent with what our communities priorities.

“It will be our job to monitor HCC’s performance and delivery around the CAP.”

Before her career in local body politics, Hamilton-born Forsyth played goal attack for the Silver Ferns for eight years after being selected at age 17 in 1979.

Alongside governance roles on sports boards like The Waterboy and Sport Waikato, she became assistant coach to the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in 2014, before promotion to head coach in 2017.