In October 2007 I completed 21 years as an Elected Member of the Tauranga City Council. During my time with Council I developed my abilities as a strategic and forward thinker. I chaired and participated in a wide range of demanding committees, including committees responsible for the corporatisation and commercial viability of Council owned businesses, and those responsible for establishing the Council’s strategic direction and policy frameworks.

As Chairperson, I developed excellent leadership capabilities, using enabling inclusion of individuals and groups whose beliefs were often at odds with each other. 

Key to my success in Council has been my extensive knowledge of Local Government legislation and processes, including the Resource Management Act, financial accountability systems, and economic models. I am known for my ability to investigate subjects widely, for analysing critically, and for seeking the advice of others.

I am standing for the Regional Council because it seems the next logical step to extend my interests and abilities and to assist this stunning region to sustainably develop its resources far into the future.  We have so much to gain but so much to lose if we fail to get things right.

I am keenly interested in environmental planning and have achieved success in this area.  My skills and experience were acknowledged in 2008 when I was awarded the Alfred O. Glasse Award by the New Zealand Planning Institute.

At the heart of the Bay of Plenty are its coast, harbours, and lakes. I will use my best efforts to ensure that the work already undertaken, and the work planned, to protect and enhance these assets, is completed in a timely cost effective manner.

Since 2007 I have been very active in the community, as Trustee (and newly appointed chairperson) of BayTrust and with a range of community groups working in the environment, community development and arts and culture sectors.  It is a great privilege to be associated with a huge range of volunteers and to witness the commitment and passion they have.  My experience is that communities change for the better when people at the heart of an issue own that issue and decide to deal with it.  That is when investment in those groups can help the most.

We are incredibly lucky to have the income from the Port of Tauranga shares held by the Regional Council.  This income is the key to future progress in the Bay of Plenty.  It is timely to examine what the best way to use the funds is and what can be achieved.

Transport is another issue that is the responsibility of the Regional Council.  Over the last few years much progress has been made in roading and in public transport.  SmartGrowth includes the key directions for the future for all types of transport including walking and cycling.  A regional approach, particularly to funding, is essential.

Heritage is a key part of regional tourism.  We need to be aware of what we hold in trust for future generations as this can be threatened by development.  Our stories and cultural treasures are a precious legacy and deserve protection.

Arts and culture are of deep interest to me also, especially where it is the art and history of the Bay of Plenty.  I am currently the Deputy Chair of the nationally acclaimed Tauranga Art Gallery, and its longest serving founding Trustee.

I thrive on a challenge and I am always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done well.  I will work hard, always with integrity, to get the job done on your behalf.

 

Top 5 Issues

1. Achieving regional co-operation; by aligning the efforts and resources of local councils, education providers, health providers, economic development agencies and businesses to build sustainable, vibrant communities.
2. Encouraging healthy ecosystems and harbour protection; by supporting win/win opportunities that provide for people and sustain biodiversity whilst enhancing our harbour. The rate of sedimentation of the Welcome Bay, Rangataua and Waimapu estuaries is of particular concern and needs priority focus from the Regional Council as well as community wide commitment to improvement of the stream catchments.
3. Investing in sustainable transport; by completing the Strategic Roading Network and investing in alternative transport including public transport, walkways and cycleways.
4. Encouraging a thriving economy; by stimulating a wide range of business and employment opportunities that are built upon the Bay of Plenty’s unique communities and resources.
5. Providing good governance; through leadership that builds positive relationships, makes effective long-term decisions and that manages Regional Council funds responsibly.

Personal Profile

Tauranga is my home town.  I have lived and worked here all my life. I married here, brought up my six children here and am now the proud Nana Mary of eleven grandchildren.

My leisure interests are music, gardening, walking reading arts and heritage and most importantly my large family and my friends.

My greatest loves have always been people and the environment.  I relish participating in community initiatives.  I see this as an opportunity not only to pursue my own interests and expand my knowledge, but to also nurture and develop the skills of others.

 

You soon learn that growth and understanding lie, not only in the project, but in the process as well. Strong united communities with common goals, develop innovative economies because they have confidence in themselves and understand how to make the best use of local resources including their people.

Promoting  social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing across the Bay of Plenty in the present and for the future is the key role of the  Regional Council.  I ask that you support me to become part of that Council.  Thank you.