I find it awkward writing about the good I’ve done for the community during my two terms at Waipā District Council. So rather than make claims myself, I’m sharing what others have written about me.
Below are some highlights, with links to media coverage around each point or issue. This is not everything I’ve helped to achieve whilst in Council, but you’ll get a good feel for my approach and the results I aim for. I’ve also written elsewhere about my vision, my leadership style, and my background.
- Led a fantastic outcome for the district in Chairing the Hearings and Deliberations for the 2021-2031 Long Term Plan.
- Provided assistance to CommSafe and the rural community to ensure their voice was heard at central government level around the issue of boy racers and increased lawlessness.
- Stood up against bullying of staff
- https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/124757718/staff-reduced-to-tears-as-development-plan-for-te-awamutu-park-endures-dark-and-nasty-period
- https://www.teawamutunews.nz/2021/04/online-abuse-bullies-on-the-grapevine/
- https://www.teawamutunews.nz/2021/04/wave-of-support-for-staff-council-chief/
- https://www.teawamutunews.nz/2021/04/grapevine-says-sorry/
- Proudly support resource recovery and waste minimisation work including promoting and fronting Agrecovery One-Stop Shop and e-waste collections
- Supported the commitment to completion of the long awaited Cambridge Pool
- Assisted in developing improved relationships with Mana Whenua, including organising New Zealand’s first Ra Maumahara (New Zealand Wars Commemoration Day) at Old St John’s Anglican Church in Te Awamutu and supporting subsequent annual events.
- Supported the adoption of the Kihikihi Urban development plan
- Opposed Three Waters on the grounds community voices have not been heard
- Questioned why feedback gathered in the Street for People project failed to capture demographic data which was critical to understand what groups thought
- Supported Street Name Change Policy so as to “empower communities”
- Expressed disappointment about the retention of Community Boards without first seeking our resident’s views about them
- Pushed for a downsize in numbers of Councillors
- Questioned use of ratepayer funds for the French Museum in Le Quesnoy
- Promoted Antenno for improved communication with the community
- Expressed concerns around “Who are we Te Awamutu?” project and the process
- Criticised Waka Kotahi about location of road signage in Ōhaupō
- Opposed speed limits bylaw on the basis that the opinions of the community for the most part were ignored
- Promoting repurposing food waste
- Joined others on a panel at a Te Awamutu Museum organised event called An Evening with Vincent O’Malley
- Featured in innovative Podcast series on Environmental Issues in Waipa
- Proudly sat on the governance group established for the creation of Te Ara Wai (Te Awamutu Discovery Center)
- Supported Childcare allowance provision for Councillors but disappointed at the levels provided
- Profiled poor remuneration for Elected Members which means we struggle to attract skilled and younger candidates
- Represented Waipa District Council at the PRINZ Awards
“As councillors we have been entrusted by people living in the district to make decisions on behalf of everyone. I take this responsibility very seriously, and I will always call out behaviour – from colleagues or others – which is not in the best interests of the community.”
Image: Speaking at Rā Maumahara 2018, Kihikihi.
Other links which people might be interested in – My Opinion Pieces:
- Unpacking Governance Roles and Conflicts of Interest –
- Third Bridge Issues Clarified
- Encouraging skilled and enthusiastic candidates to stand for Elections
Susan O'Regan for Waipā Mayor 