WAIPA DISTRICT COUNCIL

The reason for my nomination is based on skill, working at the interface between governance and management.  Councils are about that: setting strategic direction, monitoring progress, prudently financing the pathway ahead to support communities.

End result:  Cost effective, positive direction.

As former Commissioner of Cambridge High School, I bring expertise developed over 30 years’ commitment to education, including 12 as Chairman Secondary sector and 4 as Councillor Tertiary sector.  For the last 10 years I have worked in statutory appointed roles throughout Waikato and wider regions.

I have a demonstrated commitment to my community through membership of the Rotary Club of Cambridge, former National Chairman of Keep New Zealand Beautiful, and to the Project K youth programme.

FINN – strategic – motivated – proven ability – new blood.

Success depends on a partnership between you and me.  My background to do the work; your willingness to support me.  I sincerely ask for that.

 

WAIKATO DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD

From Coromandel to Taumarunui, Raglan to Whangamata, and points in between, through Education I have supported communities to work through complex issues.  My wish is to transfer this knowledge and experience into the Health sector.

Currently I am Commissioner of Fairfield College, Hamilton and former Commissioner of Cambridge High School, Tokoroa High School and Tauhara College.  For 10 years I have worked at the governance/management interface and a key component of my work is providing effective strategic direction and management of resources to develop positive outcomes for communities. 

My fundamental belief is that supporting sound health within communities through primary health care contributes significantly to the longer term management of health services within society.

FINN – strategic – motivated – proven ability – new blood.

Success depends on a partnership between you and me.  My background to do the work; your willingness to support me.  I sincerely ask for that. Visit my website www.dennisfinn.co.nz

Top 5 Issues

1. I strongly support community focused health care, believing that affordable provision of services must be available within communities to enable people to maintain healthy and active lives.
2. Keep rates affordable - exercising financial constraint as well as utilising resources to maximum potential.
3. Cambridge Swimming Pool - without losing sight of the project we must revisit it, cut the cloth to suit to make sure we deliver an outcome that meets the majority of the community's needs.
4. Expressway - this is the catalyst to address a number of issues in the town but particularly we need to make sure there is an attractive off-ramp to Cambridge, that bordering residential areas are well screened for both noise and glare, and that a proactive plan is put in place to promote Cambridge as a shopping destination and comfortable place for overnight accommodation and eateries.
5. Future development - the new 10 year district plan should promote development for business, light industry and residential that brings continuing opportunities for economic growth and sustainability.

Personal Profile

I bring to the Waipa District Council and the Waikato District Health Board over 30 years' strategic and management experience.  This has provided me with a solid background to undertake the roles I am seeking and I do so in the knowledge that I have the necessary skills to work effectively in the interests of the community.  That's been a fundamental goal in every aspect of my work.

Service in Education

• Deputy Chairman, Board of Governors for 5 Rotorua High Schools
• 12 years' Chairman, Board of Trustees, Western Heights High School, Rotorua
• Councillor, Waiariki Institute of Technology; Chair of Policy & Planning Committee
• 10 years' professional service in statutory intervention roles
• Managed 24 interventions as Commissioner or Limited Statutory Manager
• Provided specialist advice to schools in senior management appointments, complaint investigations and Board training

Community Service

• Current member of the Rotary Club of Cambridge
• 17 years' service to Rotary
• Past Chairman, EcoMatters Trust, Waitakere City Council
• Past Chairman, Keep New Zealand Beautiful Inc
• Past Chair of Project K, Waitakere City

Career

• 17 years' menswear retail (family business)
• 19 years' owned and operated apple and pear orchard business
• 10 years' education consultant