Big dreams for a small town

What do you like the best about the South Waikato?

It’s very central to Rotorua, Tauranga, Hamilton places like that. My wife comes from Matamata and I originate from Rotorua so we’ve got family and friends around there and you can go also out for shopping.

What’s the worst thing about the district?

The weather [laughs] oh no, that’s not too bad. Probably the worst thing is the lack of big shops. If you want something of a reasonable quality you’ve got to go to the bigger towns.

If you could change anything about the district what would it be?

Well in Tirau itself we need a little bit more of a walking area so it’s user friendly for animals like dogs, we’re working on it but we haven’t got there yet.

If a tourist came to the South Waikato where would you take them?

The cafes and Okoroire Hotel, we could have a game of golf.

If you were mayor what would do?

I would involve more of the council workers in decisions.

What has been the most inspiring event you have witnessed?

Probably the most inspiring thing was when I was in the army, I really enjoyed my army life.

Helping apprentices as well because I was an apprentice instructor.

What is the most devastating event you have been through? Losing a daughter. If you were stuck of a desert island what would you take?

Probably some food and water.

What is you favourite fish and chip shop?

We don’t really have fish and chips.

What annoys you the most about people?

People

that don’t listen because you’re trying to help somebody and they don’t listen to what you’re trying to explain to them.

In my spare time I like to.. Go fishing and play golf. One thing that people don’t know about me... I don’t know, I’m pretty open - people know most things about me.