Flash wheels
The Taxpayers’ Union has named Horizons Regional Council chairman Bruce Gordon as the driver of the most expensive set of wheels in local government in New Zealand — a $97,000 BMW X4.
Northland Regional Council chairman Bill Shepherd comes well down the list with a $46,483 Holden Commodore, while Far North Mayor John Carter is one of 15 for whom a vehicle is not provided.
By Eddie Evans
We used to come north regularly for holidays to spend time with my wife Donna’s family at Houhora. One trip back to Auckland we questioned why we were heading back, and started talking about maybe moving north. I made a phone call to my mate Marco to see what it was like working in Kaitaia. Of course, he told me it was great place and a great work environment, and I should really think about applying for a transfer.
Within about 15 minutes of getting off the phone with him I got a phone call from Gordon Gunn, the senior sergeant at the Kaitaia police station at the time. He said there was a detective’s position available, but applications had closed, however he was willing to give me an exemption, and allowed me to submit my application late.
I headed to Kaitaia for an interview, only to find out upon arrival that there were no other applicants, and my soon-to-be new work colleagues, Steve Harris and Mark Dalzell, pointed out that my name was already on the ‘on call’ roster. I hadn’t even been released from my position in Auckland at that time.
Our intention was to only stay in Kaitaia for two years, then look to move to Christchurch, where I’m originally from. But then there were the Christchurch earthquakes seven years ago, so we have stayed.
I became involved in coaching rugby for both Waipapakauri and Mangonui with my three sons, Corey, Danny and Link. I’ve been coaching age groups with them, from under-7s right up to under 15s. I enjoy being able to spend time with my family doing something we are all passionate about, and I just love watching them play.
I enjoy coaching others as well. It gives kids the opportunity to realise their potential, focus on achieving in the future, and provides them with a pathway so they can reach those upper levels of sport. I like watching them play at higher levels, including Northland, NZ secondary schools and NZ Ma¯ ori.