New state representative Ottmar von Holtz: A new beginning for Leine-Weser!

New state representative Ottmar von Holtz: A new beginning for Leine-Weser!

June 30, 2025 is an important day for regional development in Lower Saxony. At a ceremonial handover in Hildesheim, Regional Minister Melanie Walter said goodbye to the previous state representative, Frauke Patzke. From July 1, 2025, she will take up the position of State Secretary in the Lower Saxony Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection after Dr. Michael Marahrens is retiring. Walter praised Patzke's commitment and creative impulses for structural development in the region, which she has provided since taking office in December 2022.

During her time as state representative, Frauke Patzke placed great emphasis on the areas of future regions, skilled workers' alliances and moorland protection. Her successor, Ottmar von Holtz, was unanimously proposed to take over the office. Walter describes von Holtz as an experienced personality who will continue the successful work of his predecessor. Von Holtz not only brings his experience from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, but has also served as a district council member and as a member of the state and federal level.

The role of the offices for regional development

There have been four offices for regional development (ÄrL) in Lower Saxony since 2014, which initiate and coordinate regional development concepts and funding projects. These offices act as approval bodies for programs such as “LEADER”, “Village Development” and “ZILE”. Since 2017, the ÄrL have been carrying out independent funding activities and are also involved in new projects. A particular focus is on rural development, where targeted support is offered to ensure the attractiveness of small towns and villages as places to live.

The state government has recognized the need to specifically promote rural areas, especially in view of the challenges of demographic change. With support from programs from the European Agricultural Fund and national funds, the relevance of these offices to promote cultural heritage and the preservation of nature and landscape is increasing. Ottmar von Holtz emphasizes the role of rural areas in the success of Lower Saxony and sees economic success and social cohesion as the central goals of his term of office. According to Agriculture Minister Miriam Staudte, rural areas are of crucial importance for the entire federal state.

The look ahead

With the transition from Patzke to von Holtz, regional development in Lower Saxony is facing new challenges and opportunities. The coming months will show how von Holtz's new impulses and experiences, together with the established programs and support from authorities and the state government, will shape the development of rural areas. The close cooperation between the ministry and regional offices is a key to the successful implementation of projects that continue to keep life in rural areas vibrant.

It remains exciting for the citizens of Lower Saxony to see how the new accents and measures will shape the future of their homeland. It is obvious that there is still a lot to do! For further information, visit the websites of [Hildesheimer Presse](https://hildesheimer-presse.de/2025/06/30/amtsuebergabe-in-leine-weser-ottmar-von-holtz-ist-neuer-landes Commissioner/), Niedersachsen Ministry and offices for regional State Development.