Councillor communications

How long have you been a councillor and which ward do you live in?

This is my first term and I live in Featherston.

What inspired you to stand as an elected member for South Wairarapa District Council?

A strong desire to demystify local government. I campaigned to be approachable, accessible  and inclusive because I felt that local government sometimes makes people feel they need a degree in it to engage because of the language and the size of documents.

I really want to make local government feel like something the average person can  meaningfully engage in.

What achievement are you most satisfied with as an elected member?

The transition in how we engage with the community, such as with the Featherston Masterplan and the Enhanced Annual Plan. We recently hosted the community Walk and Talk Event, visited coastal communities and hosted events for youth. We had workshops to foster and encourage conversation rather than push information at people. I feel proud of that transition because it speaks to those approachable, accessible and inclusive goals of mine.  

The other satisfying thing was being part of recruiting our new chief executive, Janice Smith. The skills and experience she brings are already having outstanding results.

What’s surprised you most about being part of council?

The complexity of the issues we deal with. It often seems that there must be a straightforward answer but we have to look for the unintended consequences. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how passionate and willing community members are to be involved.

Where were you born and bred and where do you consider home?

I was born and raised in Upper Hutt and lived there all my life until four years ago. Today the South Wairarapa is very much home. It’s my happy place.

There’s a corner you turn on the Remutaka Hill Road and this incredible view opens up. It feels like coming home.

What do you most love about the South Wairarapa?

The people. I thought it would take a long time to make close connections but it only took  two weeks before even my children were saying ‘Mum, people here are so friendly.’ The small town vibe has been incredibly warm. People are willing to pitch in, fundraise and step in when they see people or the town in need.

The lovely weather and beautiful scenery are also close to my heart.

Where is your favourite place in the South Wairarapa and why?

Lake Ferry. The scenery is so changeable and beautiful. The ocean can be quiet and serene or churning and breath taking.

What do you think is the best thing about living in the South Wairarapa?

I was blown away by how many community and sports groups existed when I moved to Featherston. For a small community, it has a lot of variety.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

Somewhere warm by the ocean.

What is your ideal meal and where would it be?

Anything cooked by somebody else and eaten in the company of family and close friends with good conversation and lots of laughter.

Who is your hero in real life?

My mum. She had incredibly good humour and advocated for the people she really cared about. She was diagnosed with lung cancer the day I was sworn into council. She navigated that time with such good humour, courage and grace.

Which writer do you most enjoy?

I love Agatha Christie. I am amazed and intrigued by how her mind created not only so many stories with so many twists and turns but also the wicked characters. She seemed to have been a lovely person and yet she created characters who were definitely not.

How do you unwind and relax?

With family and friends, generally over delicious food and lots of laughter.

What appealed to you about representing the community as district councillor?

I believe that working in politics is fundamentally a way to serve the community and this led me to stand for council. I felt that I could be a voice for the community as a woman, as a member of the LGBT* community and as a health professional who is concerned about the environment and values equity and inclusion.

How long have you been a councillor and which ward do you live in?

This is my first term and I live in Featherston.

Where were you born and bred and where do you consider home?

I was born in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. My mum’s family arrived there in the mid 1800s and my dad’s family has been in Australia since the early 1800s. I have a deep love for both countries and I find it hard to claim either as my home. I feel more like a guest and, as such, feel a deep responsibility to be a good guest who respects the land and the people who have welcomed me here.

What do you most love about the South Wairarapa communities?

The connection between people here compared to living in a big city where people can become invisible. I know most people on my street and a lot of the families here. Even as a relatively new arrival, I have always felt welcome and I am very grateful.

Where is your favourite place in the South Wairarapa and why?

My favourite place is the stretch of road on the drive into Featherston after working in the maternity ward in Masterton. As I shoot past the old Tin Hut, over the bridge and I’m on the final stretch, the evening light spilling over the ranges that stretch down towards the coast with the chorus of clouds singing across the sky takes my breath away every time. I think it is the most beautiful place in the whole world.

What do you think is the best thing about living in the South Wairarapa?

The best thing is being in the middle of the most gorgeous countryside every day with tūī and pīwakawaka in my backyard and hearing ruru at night and the Milky Way in our dark sky, full of stars.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

The Orkney Islands in Scotland. It’s remote, cold, and windy. There is amazing archaeology everywhere and incredible seafood.

If you could change one thing in the South Wairarapa, what would it be?

I would like to see more opportunity for our rangatahi. A lot of young people struggle to see a future for themselves here and I wish that wasn’t the case. I would love South Wairarapa to be at the forefront of environmental science, engineering, innovative agriculture and climate friendly technology and see our rangatahi drive that.

What is your ideal meal, what time of day and where would it be?

An Italian spaghetti dish, early evening, with a glass of wine, good music and with Melanie, sitting around our kitchen table at home.

Which word or phrase do you most overuse?

I went through an awkward phase of saying cool bananas for far too long. I’ve (mostly) managed to stop it.

Which writer do you most admire?

I’m currently reading George Monbiot’s Regenesis: Feeding the world without devouring the planet. It’s fascinating, terrifying and hopeful, in equal measure. An admirable balance for any writer to achieve.

Who are your heroes in real life?

As a midwife, I see people at their most vulnerable and raw going through the most profound life changing event, showing super human strength and determination. It’s hard to be part of that and call anyone else a hero.

How do you unwind and relax?

I have been researching my family tree and am really happy when I can spend a few uninterrupted hours looking back through old records, cross-checking details, researching the history of specific tiny villages. It’s nice to let the rest of the world fall away and just intensely focus on one thing for no other reason than it’s interesting.

How long have you been a councillor and which ward do you live in? 

This is my first term and I live in Greytown.  

What inspired you to stand as an elected member for South Wairarapa District Council? 

I had a bad accident at home and it sparked my community involvement because of the incredible generosity of people in the community. People I had never met before brought food and drink around and one guy even came round to mow my lawns. The whole experience and generosity was incredibly humbling. I don’t think it was because of me being Martin Bosley, the chef. It is how communities are in the South Wairarapa. I’ve always been interested in politics but never had any pretensions of being in politics or local government until I experienced that generosity. So I stood and got voted in, which surprised me.  

What achievement are you most satisfied with as an elected member? 

I’ve worked hard for the memorial building in Stella Bull Park in Greytown to be kept for community. It’s a great space for the community as an art gallery and good to know it will stay that way. I’m also a big fan of the heritage vision in Greytown where residential and commercial properties can exist side by side. That’s something I feel quite passionate about. 

What change would you like to see? 

I would like us to think more in terms of being a district when we make decisions. We’ve got to stop thinking in terms of these three silos of Greytown, Featherston and Martinborough. They are part of the same district and we have got to think about them all as part of the same place.  

What has surprised you most about being part of council?  

The sheer number of things the council looks after from libraries and swimming pools to infrastructure. I’ve also learnt that there’s a process to bringing change and it requires patience.  

Where were you born and bred and where do you consider home?  

I was born in the United Kingdom, raised on the Kapiti Coast from the age of seven and moved to the Wairarapa six years ago. This is home now and I love it.  

Where is your favourite place in the South Wairarapa and why? 

The countryside. I go fly fishing in the river with my dog and within 10 minutes of leaving my front door, I’m there in the Waiohine River. There are very few places on earth where you can do that.  

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be? 

The Dordogne in the south of France. I love it. If you’re into food and wine, it’s the place to be. Gascony is its heart and soul and is home to all the things I like about food. Duck confit, truffles and all incredibly simple. Some of the best meals of my life have been there.  

What is your ideal meal and where would it be? 

Roast chicken with very buttery mashed potatoes and squeaky green beans with lots of butter. And lemon tart for dessert.  

Who is your hero in real life?  

My daughter. She embodies courage, resilience and love. Through her actions, she inspires me to be my best self, every day. She demonstrates strength and kindness beyond her years. Her unwavering support and belief in me ignites a fire within, motivating me to pursue my dreams and face life’s obstacles with determination. She reminds me of the beauty in simplicity and the power of unconditional love. In her presence, I find solace, hope and the true meaning of heroism.  

Which writer do you most enjoy?  

Marcus Aurelius, revered stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor. His profound insights on life, virtue and resilience resonate across centuries. 

How do you unwind and relax?  

Walking the dog by the river.  

How long have you been a councillor and which ward do live in?

I have been a councillor for one term and I live in Martinborough. I was on the Martinborough Community Board from 2019 to 2022, prior to being a councillor.

Where were you born and bred and where do you consider home?

I was born and bred in Greytown. I came to Martinborough in 2001 and have been here ever since. It’s home.

What do you most love about the South Wairarapa?

The small towns and our rural communities. Each one is diverse and provides so much to the whole district.

Where is your favourite place in the South Wairarapa and why?

The South Wairarapa coastline, whether it’s Ocean Beach, Cape Palliser or White Rock, Tora, Te Awaite or Pahaoa.

What is the best thing about living in the South Wairarapa?

The communities and the climate. It’s great to have four distinct seasons and the people are friendly. Even when I was policing, if people didn’t agree with a path we were taking, I could still have great conversations and shake hands after a chat.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

The South Wairarapa is home. I have travelled and lived overseas, including Moscow in 1991/1992, as well as many other places, however, South Wairarapa has always been home.

If you could change one thing in the South Wairarapa, what would it be?

Before I became a Councillor, I wanted to see a greater flow of communication between the Council and communities in a productive way. I wanted to be part of creating that and in my time on the Community Board and Council, we have made improvements. The steps are small and change is a gradual process but it is happening.

What is your ideal meal, what time of day and where would it be?

I’m quite partial to home made macaroni cheese for dinner.

Do you have a favourite beverage made in the South Wairarapa?

Beer would be Hinekura Hazy IPA from Martinborough Brewery.

Which word or phrase do you most overuse?

I try to be positive and often say “Have a great day” and if people ask how I am, the reply is often “I’m great”. I don’t think I overuse ‘great’.

Which writer do you most admire?

I enjoy reading Tom Clancy and Lee Childs.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Charles Upham. He was born and bred in the country side and he faced a hell of a lot of challenges, putting his head above the parapet and in spite of everything, all the awards and attention he garnered because of his heroics he remained humble.

How do you unwind and relax?

I am an active relaxer. We like to travel when we get the opportunity but we relax more by working on our 55 acre block of land running sheep and cattle.

How long have you been a councillor and which ward do you live in?

This is my second term and I live in Greytown Ward.

What inspired you to stand as an elected member for South Wairarapa District Council?

My council involvement grew from being chair of the Greytown School Board of Trustees, which made me very aware of the lack of green space for children. I wanted to finalise a long planned park for Greytown children to have more green space.

What achievement are you most proud of as an elected member?

I am thrilled that the soon to be built Greytown Wheels Park will provide more green space in the district that’s aimed at youth. Construction of the first stage is anticipated to start in November this year. Extra infrastructure will be added as funds become available from community fundraising, which will include applying for grants.

The other achievement I am proud of is having worked with the Greytown Lands Trust to secure a long term lease on the rugby grounds. This is expected to commence from 1 July this year.

What’s surprised you most about being part of council?

How bad our infrastructure is. I knew the state of our roads was bad and numerous boil water notices were not a good sign but I didn’t realise the full extent. I am very keen to increase investment in our infrastructure.

Where were you born and bred and where do you consider home?

I was born in Wellington, brought up in Matahiwi at the back of Masterton and, for the last 25 years, Tauwharenīkau has been home with my wife and three children.

What do you most love about the South Wairarapa?

The valley that emerges in front of me when driving over the Remutaka Hill.

Where is your favourite place in the South Wairarapa and why?

My home. I like the space and sound of living in the country.

What do you think is the best thing about living in the South Wairarapa?

The Wairarapa gets into your bloodstream. Throughout my army career I lived and worked in some very challenging places. I always felt destined to come home.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

The Scottish Highlands.

What is your ideal meal and where would it be?

Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding with friends at home and a very nice bottle of wine.

Do you have a favourite wine, beer, spirit or beverage from the Wairarapa region?

Te Kairanga Sauvignon Blanc has always been a favourite.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Wing Commander Douglas Bader. I’ve read his story, Reach for the Sky, at least 10 times. His selfless attitude drives me. Other heroes are my old boss, Roger Mortlock and my Latin teacher Matt Guerin, who was severely injured in World War Two. He gave his all to his students.

Which writer do you most admire?

I love military and sporting biographies. My favourite fiction authors are Wilbur Smith and Lee Child.

How do you unwind and relax?

Fishing on Lake Taupo.