Fenton Wilson has had the privilege of representing the Wairoa constituency of the Hawkes Bay Regional Council for the past 18 months.  His aim when first elected was to keep Wairoa’s voice prominent in Hawke’s Bay while contributing to the growth and benefiting from the vibrancy of the whole region. He sees the benefit of a strong voice on the Council and ensuring the Wairoa District gets its fair share, such as the Wairoa possum control programme in recent months.  He is current chairman of the Wairoa Community Development Trust, immediate past-president of the Wairoa A&P Society and current treasurer for the Frasertown Primary School. He seeks a leadership role in the next Council as this would ultimately benefit the Wairoa District. Projects such as the next round of National Cycle way funding would also be a priority.  He sees representing the community as a privilege, not a right.

Top 5 Issues

1. Securing the next round of National cycleway funding. Wairoa has many attributes to support cycleway development in Northern Hawkes Bay and is well situated in terms of natural resources and economic need to get the job done.
2. HBRC needs to find a lasting solution to the issues raised in relation to Council leasehold land. The opportunities are right now when lease terms are coming on line for renewal. Councils needs to get some fairness and equity into the equation for all residents in Hawkes Bay.
3. HBRC needs to focus on creating growth and exploiting opportunities within the workings of the Port. A closer working relationship and understanding of the issues influencing both port directors and Councillors would be a good start.
4. HBRC needs to create lasting and visionary policy around water in Hawkes Bay. Lead the charge in solutions for water allocation and quality while involving all on the journey. Water quality solutions need to be based on credible science and be partnered with solutions for allocation as there is cross purpose in some areas. All beneficiaries need to be involved.
5. HBRC needs to focus on a revitalisation of Land Management within Hawkes Bay with an aim to getting this component of our work back on the front foot with our rural communities as well as create a better understanding of the issues with our urban ratepayers. Land management solutions go across many boundaries of Council work.

Personal Profile

Fenton Wilson is married to Sue Wilson with three children; Alice, Jonty and Penelope. He is 45 years old.

National shearing instructor 1997-98.

Drought recovery coordinator with Federated Farmers 1998.

Kellogg rural leadership course 1999.

Wairoa District Council Emergency Management officer 1998-2000.

Has facilitated projects for local Government and the sustainable farming fund.

Completed the Competent Toastmaster course.

Currently farming a 235 hectare property with his wife Sue.

He is also operations manager of iFarm NZ Ltd, a total livestock reporting business based in Hawkes Bay but covering livestock sales from Wellsford to Temuka. The role manages 15 staff and external relationships with saleyards. iFarm won the 'e to the max' competition in 2009 and it has been a priviledge to be involved with such a dynamic emerging rural business that is succeeding in tough economic times. However Fenton intends stepping down from this role to focus more on the Regional Council role if successful in re-election. 

Fenton is the immediate past President of the Wairoa A & P Society.

He holds the role of treasurer for the Frasertown school BOT.  

He is the Chairman of the Wairoa Community Development Trust - a recently formed Trust that umbrellas the highly successful Genesis Energy Lake to Lighthouse Multisport Challenge. L2L won the volunteer of the year for the Wairoa District in 2009. Cactus has also been a big part of the Trust winning volunteer of the year in the National Trust power competition in 2008. 

 

Contact Fenton

0274-984483

06-8387823

RD6,

Wairoa 4196