Mayor: Use your passion
Mayor David Trewavas encourages someone with both vision and tact to apply for vacant spots in the Turangi-Tongariro Ward.
‘‘Local government politics is not for the faint hearted,’’ he said,
‘‘It’s not easy, but you can achieve things if you can work as a team, and get everyone alongside you, going in the same direction.’’
Two positions in the Turangi-Tongariro Ward became open following resignations from councillor Zane Cozens and community board member Sally Nelson in early July.
Trewavas said the positions gave the opportunity to people with new ideas and positive thinking.
‘‘In my time as mayor, we’ve accepted every recommendation that the Turangi Community Board has put through.’’
Turangi had exciting developments on the horizon, Trewavas said.
‘‘Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, investing $100m in their skifields, will have a huge impact for Turangi.
‘‘The Motuoapa Marina upgrade, which was paid for by Central Government, will be great for the southern-end of the lake.
‘‘We’ve also got the Volcanic Centre moving from GNS Science in Taupo to Turangi iSite,’’ he said.
‘‘They’ve seen an increase in patronage, every year, with 4000 school children per annum and ten to 12,000 other visitors.’’
Retail spending in Turangi was continuing to grow too, he said.
‘‘We’ve just received the Paymark [EFTPOS spending] figures for April, June and July.’’
‘‘The amount of spending in Turangi was 26 per cent higher than in 2016,’’ he said.
To be a successful councillor or community board member, people would need to make a time commitment, Trewavas said.
‘‘If someone’s interested in the roles, but is nervous about the time commitments, talk to some of the existing community board members or councillors.
* Nominations for the positions close at noon on Thursday August 10.