Leadership experience
Ellen Hall is an urban ward councillor. What motivated you to stand for council?
My husband and I chose Stratford as the place to settle and raise our family. We love our community, and both believe that the best way to be a part of it is to contribute to it. I saw standing for council as a way that I could contribute to a team that can make proactive decisions which maintain or enhance the social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of our community. I also believe that I have the skills, interest and passion needed to make good decisions for our community, both now and in the future.
What is your focus for the first few months in the role?
My main focus will be on getting my feet under the table and learning how things work so I can participate well. I know that there is a lot to learn, however, I am confident that the more time I spend listening, learning, and seeking to understand the information available, the more I will be able to form views and contribute confidently and competently towards well-informed decisions that benefit the community.
What three things do you think Stratford council could do/support/initiate that would improve the district in any way?
As we turn the page to a new triennium, I want to further understand the mechanics of council processes, highlight upcoming challenges for council and work together as a team to develop solutions that will meet the current and future needs and aspirations of our community.
What do you think you bring to the council table — skills/experience, etc?
I have 10 years of experience working in leadership roles within the youth development and social service
delivery sector within both government and community organisations. This includes people, financial, strategic and operational leadership. I have committed myself to a lifelong journey of learning te reo for . . . enhancing the mana of my tamariki who whakapapa Māori and the overall wellbeing of my wha¯nau. I am organised, empathic and prepared to learn. I think strategically, and I am solutions focused..
What do you do as a job/profession?
I was the general manager at Tūtaki Youth Inc from its inception until I went on maternity leave with my second child in 2019. I am now a mother to three wonderful young children, with another due very soon in November. This has kept me very busy and acquiring new skills that will benefit me in this new role.
What is something people might not know about you?
I grew up in paradise on a farm under Mt Taranaki near Lake Mangamahoe. I believe coffee, chocolate and butter should all be their own food groups. When I am not growing and having babies I love to run. I believe in looking for the good, it is always there somewhere.