I LIKE HOW NZ OPERATES
RETIRING Gold Coast councillor Dawn Crichlow – who says she likes the way New Zealand “operates” – has been recognised by the city’s Maori community at Waitangi Day celebrations.
The outgoing Division 6 councillor was gifted a traditional Maori cloak and headband as a thank you gift for years of support at Broadwater Parklands celebrations held yesterday a week later than normal due to the rain.
Event organiser Rex Stainton said Cr Crichlow had been helping keep them afloat for more than a decade.
“Dawn actually goes beyond her call in terms of what she’s done and how she’s been with us,” he said.
“It is her area, but she could have just ignored us. There were times where the event couldn’t go ahead but she stepped in and made sure it happened.
“She also made funding available when we couldn’t afford the venue at the start, she actually waived the fees. She’s really been an integral part of our community.”
Cr Crichlow said the gift was a “beautiful” surprise.
“They also did a miniature headband for (my dog) Princess Pookie, the Waitangi chief made her a princess about seven years ago,” she said.
“It’s been 12 years (of Waitangi Day) and I’ve been to every one. It’s a big family, I like New Zealand, the way they operate.”
She added she wanted to see her successor continue the tradition of supporting the event, as well as Broadwater Parklands.
“I’m hoping my successor will still give (Broadwater Parklands) X amount of dollars every year for events,” she said.
“You take that out of your divisional allowance as soon as the budget comes down.”