Q&A with Napier’s Mayor Kirsten Wise
1.It’sbeen18monthssinceyouwereelected Mayor of Napier. What has been the most challenging aspect of your role so far?
My first 18 months as Mayor of Napier has included a number of challenges including COVID-19, the November flooding event, an escalation in gang activity and ongoing issues with our water to name just a few. The support of the councillors and staff alike has been absolutely vital as we have worked together to face these challenges and also continue with business as usual to ensure our community members’ needs are met.
2. And the most enjoyable.
I have thoroughly enjoyed being out and about hearing about our local peoples’ vision for Napier, but also about their concerns so that we know what the priorities are that we need to focus on. The recruitment of our new Chief Executive Steph Rotarangi has also been a highlight.
3.Howdidyoubecomeinvolvedinlocal government and what made you decide to run for mayor?
I have been interested in politics and public service from a very young age, in fact I was three years old when I told my parents I wanted to be the prime minister of New Zealand. My interest in local government was piqued whilst serving on the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board with the then Mayor Barbara Arnott and I decided to stand as a councillor in 2013. During my time as a councillor my passion for working with and representing my local community led me to take the next step and run for mayor.
4. What is the most pressing thing facing NapierCityCouncilin2021?
We have a number of pressing issues facing Napier City Council and our city in 2021 but the top two from my perspective are community safety and water. These are the two areas I will be continuing to focus on and work with our NCC team and the wider community over the coming weeks and months to progress initiatives to address these issues.
5. What is your favourite thing about living in Napier?
I love that we have an incredible range of offerings for locals and visitors alike, particularly in the hospitality sector where I believe we punch well above our weight. But I also love that we have not lost that small town feel I knew as a child growing up here and this is why I knew there was no other place I wanted to raise my own daughter.
6. As a public figure how do you deal with criticism?
When you put yourself out in the public domain you have to deal with the criticism that comes your way, it is part of the role. If the feedback is provided in a reasoned, respectful manner I will always engage and respond. I do not however condone the keyboard warrior behaviour that has evolved in recent years on the various social media platforms.
7. When you have time to relax what do you like to do?
I love to catch up with friends and whanau and enjoy all the amazing hospitality venues we have here in Napier. I am also an avid reader and make sure I take time out every day with a book, even if it is only 10 minutes at the end of the day.
8. What advice would you give a person who had to dress for public events on a regular basis as you do?
I think it all depends on whether you are a shopper like me or not. Personally I love looking for new outfits for events but for those who don’t then my advice would be to have a few key outfits which you can change up with accessories and different shoes.
Follow Mayor Kirsten Wise on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kirstenwisemayorofnapier