I have been a Tasman District Councillor for six years and have worked hard to represent the people of Tasman. I will continue to provide a grounded viewpoint based on an understanding of the pressures affecting families, retired people, businesses and the community in general.
Tasman District’s growth and the delivery of services and infrastructure need to be strategically planned and well managed to enable rates to be affordable and debt to be sustainable. We must protect our natural environment and productive land while enabling economic development, employment opportunities and the provision of community facilities.
My second term of council has been one of further growth and consolidation, particularly as one of the four standing committee Chairs, being able to use the skills and knowledge learnt from my first term to better advocate for and represent the people of Tasman. I have learnt a lot about collaboration and co-operation; working to people’s strengths; and community engagement. I have brought energy, clarity of thinking and a straight forward approach to Council. I believe I have been a strong, hardworking member, and leader of the team.
Throughout my term I have
maintained my availability and community involvement without losing sight of
the political side of the job – representing the community at large. In
particular, I believe I have helped to give a voice to many people who have
felt aggrieved or disempowered and to many people who may not have
traditionally felt represented.
In addition to Full Council and
the four standing committees (Community Services, Engineering Services,
Corporate Services and Environment & Planning) of which all Councillors are
members, I have held a significant number of additional responsibilities/appointments.
Born and raised in Richmond, I am
44 years old, married to David, and have two sons aged 9 and 14 years who provide
my life with incredible joy, balance and focus. I love raising my family
here and wish to ensure that the Tasman District is an affordable, healthy and
friendly place to live, work, raise a family and to retire.
I spent 18 years away from
Richmond, living primarily in Melbourne and Christchurch. I completed my University studies in Australia
(Bachelor of Behaviour Studies, La Trobe University) and worked in the health
and disability sector for over 10 years.
I then moved into a fundraising and research role in the not-for-profit
housing sector prior to establishing my fundraising consultancy firm, Tasman
Fundraising and Development Ltd in 2005.
Through my fundraising business I
provide project management, governance advice, fundraising programmes and
feasibility studies for community groups, sporting organisations, schools and
other not-for-profit organisations, specialising in capital
campaigns. Some of the larger projects I have been involved with in the
Tasman District are the ASB Aquatic Centre, Moutere Hills Community Centre,
Motueka Grandstand and Murchison Sport, Recreation & Cultural Centre. Due to my increasing council commitments,
particularly Chairing Community Services, I have undertaken a much more limited
amount of fundraising work in the last three years in particular.
In addition to being a
councillor, I am also a Trustee (Deputy Chair) of the Nelson Bays Primary
Health Trust (PHO) and Company Secretary for the Cawthron Institute Trust
Board.
If re-elected I will
maintain a focus on the community’s needs and priorities and help identify
opportunities for greater efficiency and cost effectiveness. I offer my
honesty and integrity and I will continue to be accessible, listen to and be
involved in, the community.
Below are a few links to articles ... but feel free to google to find out more for yourself.
Authorised by Judene Edgar of 46
Otia Drive, Richmond 7020
