Roger Brownlie has been appointed to the role of deputy to Napier Mayor Richard McGrath.

Mayor Richard McGrath believes the appointment will strengthen Napier’s ability to leverage opportunities for the city and the wider region.

“What Napier needs, and regionally what Hawke’s Bay needs, is proven business experience, local connections and commitment to a strong future for this community, and commercial board experience,” says Mayor McGrath.

“Roger may be a first-term councillor but he is trusted and respected, and he brings decades of commercial experience. He’s only recently joined the council table so he has fresh insights and views from the world outside local-body politics.”

Roger Brownlie topped the polls in his ward of Ahuriri in the local government election last October, receiving 3,547 votes.

Brownlie says he is looking forward to working together as a unified council focused on “getting the work done.”

“I am no-frills when it comes to the job of council. I am focused on upgrading infrastructure and prioritising ongoing maintenance. Our region must be future-proofed, resilient and stable so it can grow and contribute to New Zealand’s economy and wellbeing. We also need to look beyond our borders and work with our regional partners, collaborate with each other and with our colleagues in Wellington to make sure Napier is on the agenda and in the conversation.”