Tairua Community Board candidates
Nathaniel Blomfield
“Kia ora koutou. I’m running for the Tairua - Pauanui Community Board because, as a local living in Tairua for 25 years, I want to make sure Tairua and Pauanui have the representation of the young working families of our area on the board. The last few years have seen how important having that representation is. What could have been a simple development for the tamariki of our community, the Cory Park Domain skate park, devolved into infighting and division in our town, with the decisions on the development being removed from our community board and given over to the full council in Thames.
I am married to Mel and have four beautiful children: Bailee, Oliver, Lily, and Aubrey. We live on the east coast of the Coromandel. In the past, TCDC has been rightly, to a point, focused on making the Coromandel one of the best places in New Zealand to visit, for holidaying New Zealanders, and foreign tourists alike. This is great for local businesses, bringing much needed spending into our district. What also deserves as much attention is to make the Coromandel just as liveable for the hard-working families who service these businesses, as it is lovely to visit for the tourists. That is where I see the vital importance in giving representation from all sectors within our community on Councils . If Tairua and Pauanui want to retain our decision-making abilities over infrastructure spending afforded to us, then we need to make sure that that the Board is fully representative of our communities, and making decisions based on the best interests of all who live and work in the place that we are so lucky to call home. Vote for me. Ngā mihi nui.”
Warwick Brookes
I am seeking your support and vote to re-elect me for a third term as a representative on the Tairua -Pauanui Community Board. Community Boards represent the ‘life blood’ the ‘grassroots’ of local democracy. They provide the ‘link’ between Council and our communities. Traditionally they have been used with varying degrees of effectiveness to promote better community level - based governance. The Thames Coromandel District Council has several distinct and diverse communities each with their own community board. It has become obvious when talking to previous board members that Community Boards they tell of a time when they controlled budgets and had terms of reference that gave them a far greater level of sub-governance and empowerment. This is not the case to-day our board has had their powers responsibilities and terms of reference eroded and compromised by successive Chief Executive Officers. To put it bluntly the effectiveness and significance of Community Boards hinges on the political attitude of the local authority namely the CEO. So, to quote the late Dr. Martin Luther King who had a ‘dream’ I have a wish and that the current Local Government currently under review in Wellington will result in greater autonomy and recognition of community boards throughout New Zealand. Afterall we are the voice of our communities we are the voice of the ratepayers we need to be heard someone must listen and act.
Chris New - also Thames Coromandel District Council Candidate
Chris New has had two terms on Tairua Pauanui Community board, 2010 - 2013 and 2019 – 2022, and is keen to continue on the Board. He is also standing to be a Thames Coromandel District Councillor. Please see page 8.
Barry Roberts
“I live and work in Tairua and would love the opportunity to represent Tairua and Pauanui in a positive way.” Barry retired from teaching in 2016 after a career spanning 38 years, 30 of those years as the Principal of various schools with pupil rolls of between 50 to 700 children.
Barry and his wife Sue bought Blue Water Motel in Tairua in 2016 and ran this successful until its sale in 2022. “I have experience working with government and official groups as well as many community groups and, of course, families. I have the knowledge and skills to be a very effective member of the Community Board member. My experience includes organising national principal conferences, chairing principal groups, contributing to running rugby refereeing groups and working on projects in conjunction with a major charitable trust.”
Barry is currently the chair of Tairua Information and Community Services Society and has done a two-year stint on Tairua Residents and Ratepayers Association.
“I have lived in many communities large and small over my lifetime and believe that Tairua and Pauanui have the sea on their doorstep, and the river and mountains at their back door, making them ideally placed for a myriad of outdoor activities at all levels of skill and enthusiasm.
“ We need to do everything we can to provide the best services and facilities that budgets allow. If elected, I would aim to represent all Tairua-Pauanui area in a most positive way.”
Cath Wightman
I have thoroughly enjoyed my role sitting on the Tairua – Pauanui Community Board and contributing my time to the community. “I love living, playing, and working on the Paradise Coast. Having holidayed in Tairua as a child, I became a permanent resident in 2001 and raised my three children here. I am passionate about ensuring the needs of our community are met. We will see continued growth; families through to retirees will make our area their home and holiday destination. We need to cater to all and involve the community in decision-making.”
As a Mum, she knows the benefits of an active life and making decisions that support wellness in the community. As a businesswoman she is skilled in operations and property management, hospitality, and tourism. “I am a strong relationship builder and team player, hardworking, and committed to ensuring positive outcomes. As your representative, I will be your voice across our community assets and maintain our unique environment.
I am committed to working hard for all people in the Tairua - Pauanaui Community Board area. As a female voice, from this vantage point I have a great perspective to offer.”