No nominations so far for Waihemo ward
PALMERSTON
ZERO.
That is how many people have put their nominations forward for the Waitaki District Council’s vacant Waihemo ward seat.
However, Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher is confident someone will put their hand up before nominations close in a fortnight.
‘‘I’ve had a couple of good discussions with people interested in it, and I certainly welcome the opportunity, too, if someone is thinking of it, I’m more than happy to talk to them about it,’’ Mr Kircher said.
‘‘I am confident that we will have at least one candidate by the time nominations close.’’
The ward covered from Waianakarua to Flag Swamp and the council was involved in several projects throughout the area.
‘‘It’s a very interesting part of the district . . . it ranges from marine environment right through to high country. There’s a lot of great characters and a lot of great places in it.’’
The new councillor would need to know how to represent Waihemo best, but keeping the entire district’s needs at the forefront, too.
‘‘They are elected by the ward but they are there to represent the whole district.
‘‘It’s someone who works well with others, who understands the need to cooperate to get good results not just for the ward, but also for the district.
‘‘A good councillor is someone who comes to grips with fairly complex topics, and works their way through them.’’
The seat became vacant in December, after firstterm Waihemo ward councillor Peter Newton resigned.