My family have been residents of the Hibiscus Coast for 22 years. My parents Ross and Wikitoria Wright (Ngati Whatua and Ngati Porou) farmed on the Kaipara Harbour, following my father's discharge from the Maori Battalion. I was initially trained as a Dental Nurse, spent 10 years dairy farming with my husband, raised two children, then spent 14 years at University studying, lecturing and this year graduating with a PhD in Management. I am presently employed with the Department of Internal Affairs. I've always been involved with my local communities. This includes Playcentre, Homebuilders, HBC Youth Council, Te Herenga Waka o Orewa, and the Rodney Community Arts Council. This year I've taken on the the role of Manager of the HBC Raiders Premier Rugby League Team. Through being a member of the HBC Local Board I aim to continue my commitment to our community − particularly our youth and seniors.

Top 5 Issues

1. Community, arts and culture – ensuring that the Hibiscus Coast communities and uniqueness are valued and preserved, and not just swallowed up by the “super city”, this includes the arts. Support for other cultures/ethnicities and respecting the diversity that makes up the HBC.
2. Youth – young people are our key to our future – particularly so with a rapidly aging population. We need to ensure our youth have places to go, and have forums where they can contribute to the future of this region.
3. Seniors – we have a looming crisis in the country with an increasing aging population. Communities need to prepare for this reality by considering what is needed to engage the safety and well-being of our seniors. What support, activities and opportunities do we need, to value them and enable them to continue to contribute to community life.
   
   
4. Getting on with the daily business – the “super city” represents a fundamental change in approach to local government in this region; the work will only just begin after the election. Stabilising rates, improving transport links (including Penlink), lowering crime, taking care of the environment, representing and balancing the needs of special interest groups (e.g. dog owners) will be part of the daily business.
5. Leaky houses – the human toil of this issue has been catastrophic – and so understated. This issue is not just about court litigation, legislation or disappearing builders. It is about families under huge stress who are struggling, some falling apart, as they try to keep a roof over their heads not knowing what is eventually going to happen to them. This impact on our communities is equally profound. Let’s get this sorted!

Personal Profile

I am a lifetime Rodney resident, and have always been involved with my local communities. This includes Playcentre, Homebuilders, HBC Youth Council, Te Herenga Waka o Orewa, and the Rodney Community Arts Council. This year I managed the HBC Raiders Premier Rugby League team, and at our recent club prize-giving I was awarded “Manager of the Year 2010”.

 

I believe I can bring freshness and enthusiasm to the local board – informed personal commitment and life experience. After training as a Dental Nurse, I spent 10 years dairy farming at Waitoki (and being a parent!), then 14 years at Massey University studying as well as lecturing (and was appointed to the University Human Ethics Committee). This year I graduated with a PhD in Management.

 

I take a no-nonsense approach to life. I believe communities are first and foremost about people; they are defined by people and cultures. As a Local Board member I would priorities efforts to preserve and encourage a thriving local economy that contributes to an improved quality of life for all – from our young to our seniors – who live in our region.