Environment Bay of Plenty councillors and staff yesterday recognised the contribution the late Hawea Vercoe had made to the regional council at its final meeting of the year.

Hawea Vercoe held the Ōkurei constituency seat for Environment Bay of Plenty. He died suddenly early on Sunday 22 November 2009.

Speaking to the meeting, Chairman John Cronin said Hawea Vercoe was an outstanding young man who had so much potential for Maoridom.

"His light went out far too early and my heart goes out to the Vercoe family for the losses they've suffered," Chairman Cronin said.

"He could be extremely mischievous, but had the makings of an extremely good councillor."

Kohi constituency councillor Tiipene Marr said the region had lost a young star with Hawea's death.

"A young totara has fallen," Councillor Marr said. "A voice for education has been lost."

Councillor Marr said Hawea was a generous person who was here for the people and not for his personal gain.

"He was the type of person who once he got his giggle on, couldn't stop and who loved taking the mickey out of people."

Council will discuss its options around the vacant Ōkurei Constituency seat at its next full council meeting on 4 February 2010.