Hinewai Ormsby, at 39, is the country's youngest regional council chairperson. Photo: Supplied
Five women have been chosen as regional council chairs across the country so far this term, including the first two wāhine Māori in the country.
Hawke's Bay Regional councillors elected Hinewai Ormsby today, following the election of Tui Shorthand in Northland yesterday.
Gretchen Robertson was elected in Otago, while Rachel Keedwell was re-elected in Manawatū-Wanganui and Charlotte Littlewood was elected in Taranaki.
Littlewood is Taranaki's first female chairperson.
Charlotte Littlewood is Taranaki's first female chairperson. Photo: ANDY JACKSON
Ormsby (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu), at 39, is the country's youngest regional council chairperson.
She is a second-term councillor and at the start of last term, was the only woman on the council.
Ormsby said wāhine could bring "differing values" to leadership positions.
"Most councils are looking for a far more collaborative approach and wāhine just have a far more natural inclination that wants to nurture groups, nurture families.
"So I think those types of skills and qualities are actually being brought to the forefront as being advantageous in these leadership positions.
"You also have to have other competencies above and beyond being able to have those nurture-type qualities which is like a cherry on the top."