I’m a family man, a business man, a creative man and a funny man. My wife and I run The Music Shed, a creative initiative specialising in vocal, personal and business coaching. I mentor young adults in their final years of High School and assist individuals in igniting their passion, purpose and hidden talents. I’m determined to implement change within our community, to ensure we leave behind a vibrant and thriving legacy for our future generations.

 As a business consultant, I have extensive experience both nationally and internationally. I’m actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce, Destination Cambridge, Adopt-A-County and the World Rowing Championships 2010. Recently, as CEO, I successfully managed a company of 100 employees through a significant change in management structure.

 For more information visit: www.michaelblake.co.nz.

 If you’re looking for a candidate with creative determination, a great sense of humour and a proven business background, vote for me.

Top 5 Issues

1. Affordability of Rates, especially given the increases over the last few years - don't spend what you don't have - of course within reason, especially for funded projects.
2. Swimming Pool - retain the 50m pool - ensure it is compliant with Health & Safety. Cover it and then go to the Community in 3 - 5 years to see what they then want.
3. Time for Change. 18 years, 12 years, 9 years - are these too long a time to spend on Council. It's time for new thinking, new energy, new independent councillors who are accountable to the community who voted them in.
4. Council to control spending within limits. This is really hard, but it can be done. Don't spend money on consultants, especially those who have been contracted in to work on white elephant projects. Don't donate the money to a "good cause" unless you have the mandate from the people.
5. Time to stop the "them / us" competition. Te Awamutu and Cambridge exist in the same District. Appoint the best people to the positions.

Personal Profile

My wife, Glenese and I have lived here for nearly 3 years now, having regularly visited family and my own singing teacher in Cambridge for over 30 years.  Cambridge is home and will remain so.

I am a vocal and personal coach, a business consultant finding solutions for growth, a musical director, a web site designer and a Grandfather.  I also serve the local community as a Justice of the Peace.

I trained as an Accountant and as a Tenor Soloist, with an international career.  Much of the business work I was doing centred on implementing reporting and financial systems, so I started my own consultancy business, again international, specialising in implementations in the hospitality sector.  I support my wife who has recently completed her Master of Arts (Art Therapy) in her teaching practice, where music is used as a therapeutic tool.  Recently, as CEO, I successfully managed a company of 100 employees through a significant change in management structure.

I mentor young adults as they transition from High School to work or to University.  I watch Formula One Grand Prix; I read a variety of books, especially thrillers; I tackle crosswords and Sudoku puzzles; I assist in the garden, where I have built raised beds and worktables.  I fly fish, normally in the rivers around Turangi and Tauraumanui, with a friend who is a fishing guide.  I am currently studying towards my qualifications as a Mediator and Arbitrator.  Whenever I can I read to my grandchildren where I have to be careful not to skip over anything because they really do know the stories!

He aha te mea nui?  He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.