Woodville Vision has new executive
Woodville Vision has a new executive following its AGM on Tuesday September 4.
Following the chairs report and annual accounts Janet Seager was elected chairperson, Carol Wilton as treasurer and Seona Ashton communications officer, all unopposed. Maggie Oulaghan as secretary and Turia Brackenbury-Stuart as deputy chairperson retain their positions.
Sharon Brass, Rose Karena and Fiona Stone were elected as committee members.
This represents a huge change from the out-going executive. Robin Winter has relinquished her role as Chair and Paula McCool as Treasurer after six and five years in their roles respectively.
Interim chairman Bill Bly thanked both women, saying Paula’s commitment, having to have her finger on the pulse for all that time was much appreciated. Robin’s contribution handling “a lot of balls in the air at once” was huge. “Robin has acted very well in the interests of the community. It has not always been easy but she has coped well keeping the show on the road,” he said.
Robin’s report highlighted her tremendous legacy but also her difficulty managing the dissension between executive members this year requiring the appointment of Bill Bly as interim chairman to mediate.
“It’s been a real pleasure to serve Woodville for six years as Chair of Woodville Districts Vision,” she said.
“The role has been a roller coaster ride, with great achievements and many obstacles to surmount, but I recommend change and excitement as a means of keeping yourself young. That goes for towns as well as for people.”
“I’ve had the privilege of working with some very fine people from Woodville, and many others from all over Tararua and beyond in my role as chair and I have made some good friends along the way. Given that I am one of those people who is meant to do what others will not or cannot do, it’s now time for me to turn my hand to something new. Watch this space!”
The new chair Janet Seager is a relatively new resident in Woodville.
She brings a range of life experiences — raised in Tokoroa, three children by age 25, pig farmer and gardener before gaining university qualifications in research and advocacy which led to work helping refugees in Northland and Auckland, working in immigration in Christchurch before the earthquakes wrecked her business and home.
Campervanning around New Zealand Janet discovered Woodville and loved its character and potential. She decided to settle.