Chapel Hill Town Council member Rachel Schaevitz announced Monday afternoon she will be resigning from her position to relocate to New Zealand.

Schaevitz, who was elected in 2017, will be moving with her family to Auckland, New Zealand, to pursue a new professional opportunity.

“It has been a joy and a privilege to serve Chapel Hill as a member of our Town Council,” Schaevitz said in a release by the town. “I remain deeply inspired by the thoughtful and engaged activism of this community, and I’ll take that spirit with me in this next chapter of life. We may be headed for the southern hemisphere, but we’ll always know that the southern part of heaven is right here in Chapel Hill.”

Schaevitz said the decision was a bittersweet one and she is grateful to the residents of Chapel Hill who supported her during her time on the council.

“I take my responsibility to the Town very seriously” she said. “In leaving, I am confident the Council will continue to welcome strong voices for inclusivity, the arts, thoughtful development and a greener, more sustainable future.”

Chapel Hill has an ordinance requiring the future of Schaevitz’s seat on council to be addressed when she vacates her position in mid-to-late February. Her seat will have two remaining years in its term.

Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger spoke to the town’s gratitude of Schaevitz’s work on council, as well as her prior contributions to the Cultural Arts Commission and American Legion Task Force.

“We certainly understand what a remarkable opportunity this is for Dr. Schaevitz and wish her well,” said Hemminger. “We will miss her positive energy and her ability to communicate issues concisely and effectively.”

To read the full release about Schaevitz’s announcement, visit the Town of Chapel Hill website.

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