Aa en Hunze honors long-serving councillors with Royal distinctions as new council takes over
Nine councillors in Aa en Hunze have stepped down after years of service, with three receiving Royal honours for their dedication. Their departure marks the end of an era, as a new municipal council prepares to take office, ensuring continuity in local governance for residents.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Aa en Hunze |
| Departing councillors | 9 |
| Royal honours awarded | 3 (Arie Fonk, Bertus Reinders, Roelof Brands) |
| Years of service | Arie Fonk: 16 (councillor) + 8 (Provincial Council); Bertus Reinders: 16; Roelof Brands: 25 |
| New council installation | 1 April 2026 |
| Mayor | Anno Wietze Hiemstra |
| Political affiliations | D66 (Arie Fonk), Gemeentebelangen (Bertus Reinders, Roelof Brands) |
The municipal council of Aa en Hunze is responsible for local governance, including policy-making, budget allocation, and representing residents' interests. The mayor, appointed by the national government, oversees council meetings and ceremonial duties, such as awarding Royal honours to long-serving members.
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Nine councillors bid farewell, three receive Royal honours
On Monday evening, 30 March, nine councillors said goodbye to the municipal council of Aa en Hunze. Three departing councillors received Royal honours. The new municipal council will be installed on 1 April.
Royal honours for three councillorsDuring the farewell evening, three departing councillors received Royal honours. They are Arie Fonk (D66), Bertus Reinders (Gemeentebelangen) and Roelof Brands (Gemeentebelangen). Arie Fonk is stepping down after 16 years as a councillor, having previously served eight years as a member of the Provincial Council. Bertus Reinders also served 16 years as a councillor. Roelof Brands held the position for an impressive 25 years. Mayor Anno Wietze Hiemstra addressed the councillors and reflected on their many years of dedication to the municipality and its residents. He then pinned the corresponding decorations onto the three honoured councillors.
Appreciation and outlookWith the departure of the nine councillors, an era of long-standing involvement in local governance comes to an end. Mayor Hiemstra expressed his appreciation for their efforts: "With the departure of these councillors, we say goodbye to a wealth of experience and commitment. Each of them has, in their own way, devoted themselves wholeheartedly to Aa en Hunze and its residents for many years."
On Wednesday evening, 1 April, the new municipal council will be installed.