Rōpū Tohutohu mō Ākona
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Ākona Advisory Group

A learning and development programme built for you, with guidance from your most experienced elected members and council staff.

Our Ākona sector advisory group ensures the capability framework is accurate and that Ākona stays relevant, current and as valuable as possible to all elected members.

The Ākona Advisory Group (AAG) is made up of a broad range of local government roles and regions, all with a passion to deliver the most useful learning product possible. We welcome new members with fresh ideas and feedback so get in touch if you want to be part of making Ākona even better.

Our Ākona Advisory Group includes:

  • Tasha Paladin: Governance Manager, Ruapehu District Council
  • Anna Palamountain: Democracy Manager, Whanganui District Council
  • Gary Kircher: Mayor, Waitaki District Council 
  • Wayne Guppy: Mayor, Upper Hutt City Council
  • Grayson Rowse: Principal Democracy Advisor, Horowhenua District Council
  • Sophie Handford: Councillor, Kāpiti Coast District Council
  • Jackie Elliot: Community Board Member, Ōtaki Community Board
  • Dinnie Moeahu: Councillor, New Plymouth District Council 
  • Helen White: Democracy Manager, Christchurch City Council
  • Pat Handcock: Councillor, Palmerston North City Council
  • Elaine Stephenson: Team Leader – Democratic Services, Tasman District Council
  • Anneka Carlson: Councillor, New Plymouth District Council
  • Auriole Ruka: Group Manager Governance and Engagement, Northland District Council
  • Sarah McLeay: Team Leader Democracy, Waikato Regional Council
  • Colleen Fitzgerald: PA, Christchurch City Council

For more information contact akona@lgnz.co.nz.