Just a very small bit about me – our family came to Okareka from Wellington about 15 years ago – and our three children Jack, Paddy and Stella have grown up, and are still growing up, here. Claire, my partner is an ex-law lecturer, creative writer and PhD student, and a leader in developing swimming skills in the Rotorua community. I’m an ex-lawyer, public servant, consultant type who’s worked in private practice, in the Treaty settlement process and for both the Department of Conservation and Rotorua Lakes Council.
We look like we’ve got a hugely talented Committee to carry on the work for the Okareka community. For me, the focus should be pretty simple – it’s about doing what we can to look after our people (including our visitors) and our place. To do this well, we’ll be wanting to work positively and constructively with all those others who also care about Okareka – including Tuhourangi, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, local councils and the Department of Conservation. We’ll also be wanting to do what we can to support our local entities – the fire brigade, Landcare and Forest and Bird groups, the pre-school, the Waka Ama club and many others.
We’ll make sure we talk a lot to you about what you want.
Henry Weston