Solitaire successfully stood for Council last election as she believed its makeup should reflect the makeup of the community.  Solitaire wishes to be re- elected for another term as she feels that her younger perspective provides a key viewpoint for the South Wairarapa District Council. Solitaire’s family has lived in the Featherston District for 99 years with involvement in both farming and business. Although Solitaire lives in town she has a good understanding of rural values, having been on farms in various roles for much of her life.

Starting her education at Featherston School, she graduated with a BA from Victoria University and holds a Certificate in Environmental Management. The South Wairarapa is thriving; new businesses and people are continually locating here.  To cater for this, Council needs fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Solitaire can provide both – this is her home town….this is your home town!

Top 5 Issues

1. Safer Communities
   
   I want to see our communities become safer, with less vandalism and graffiti. We can achieve this with pro active responses by both the community and the police. All members of our community should feel safe at all times.
   
   
2. To see our Council be a leader in environmental issues.
   
   We are working towards a nil discharge of waste water to our precious rivers and streams. I want to see this work continue so we can achieve our target as quickly as possible.
   
   We need to continue to be pro active in the area of Waste Minimisation, finding and encouraging new and innovative ways to reduce our current levels of waste being taken to landfills.
3. Working towards efficient, better and more cost effective ways to do business.
   
   I have over the last 3 years believed in the role of shared services to provide for better, more cost effective solutions for you the ratepayers. We currently have a good working relationship with our neighboring councils and are look into various methods to make shared services work for all parties.
4. Strive to ensure that Council meets it environmental, social and cultural responsibilities, keeping them at an affordable level as well as preserving them for future generations to enjoy.
5. Better support for town development. Our main streets are the showcase for our towns, residents need to feel proud about where they live. Our towns need to look clean, tidy and cared for, we are getting there, but we can do better. Having attractive towns, encourages visitors and boost the districts economy. This can only be a good thing in these tough financial times.

Personal Profile

Solitaire is currently the youngest Councillor in the Wairarapa and has been successful in achieving many good outcomes for the district. Solitaire wishes to be re- elected for another term as she feels that her younger perspective provides a key viewpoint for the South Wairarapa District Council, Solitaire was the driver behind Council adopting a liquor by-law for Featherston, as well as being involved in the design and implementation of the Skatepark, a huge asset for our younger population.  Solitaire has a passion for Horses, Music and Art, she currently sits on the South Wairarapa Arts Council, as well as being an active member of the Featherston Anzac Club Society.

Starting her education at Featherston School, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University and holds a Certificate in Environmental Management.  Having a solid knowledge of environmental issues as well as the relevant legislation allows Solitaire to enter into debates from a rational point of view rather than a purely emotive response. Solitaire is one of two Council appointees on the South Wairarapa District Council's Maori Standing Committee, this committee meets on a six weekly cycle to discuss issues affecting the Maori community. This group is represented by both iwi authorities along with representatives from all three southern maraes. Solitaire is also a council appointee on the Featherston Community Board. 

Over the last term the South Wairarapa District Council has undergone some significant changes, one of the key tasks is to ensure that the South Wairarapa District Council is the "best little Council in New Zealand".  We can achieve this, with good leadership and dedicated Councillors.  While I am able to work effectively as a team player in looking after our district, I am only accountable to you, the residents of Featherston.

The South Wairarapa is thriving; new businesses and people are continually locating here. The South Wairarapa can be better.  A better place for businesses to prosper and create jobs. A better place for families,  To cater for this, Council needs fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Solitaire can provide both – this is her home town….this is your home town!