Regional Councillor Annette Main pays respects to a great leader

22 September 2010

Annette Main, who chairs the Environment Committee at Horizons Regional Council, said today that she was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Sir Archie Taiaroa.

‘His passing at a time when progress is being made with the issues he was most passionate about is extremely sad for his family, for his people and for all New Zealanders. I will always remember him as a highly principled man who was generous with his advice to me when I sought it. And sometimes when I didn’t.’

Ms Main said ‘The flag will be flying at half-mast at the Regional Council offices as a mark of respect to Sir Archie and I will be attending his tangi in Taumarunui along with other representatives of the Regional Council and the Department of Conservation’

Sir Archie Taiaroa served as a representative on the Regional Council when it was first formed. He has had an ongoing relationship with us as a tireless advocate for the establishment of meaningful partnerships between Whanganui Iwi and the Regional Council.

Ms Main said ‘Sir Archie’s passion and inspiration to us all will live on as we work together to see these come to fruition.’

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Letter to Wanganui Chronicle

Dear Editor

Ken Horrocks lays the blame for rate increases from the Regional Council on my shoulders without checking the facts.
In my time at the regional council I have proposed changes to how rates are collected that I believe would enable those who benefit more from a particular activity to pay a fairer proportion of the costs than those who benefit less directly.
This is an age-old dilemma for councils, and while we still have democracy, unless I can get supporting arguments from other councillors who clearly understand how the rating system works, it is difficult to achieve changes like this on your own for our district.
Just voting no to get headlines is not constructive politics, it is populist politics.

That is not my style.
I have worked consistently at the regional council to ensure rates income is fairly distributed into projects which benefit the Wanganui district long-term.
As records show I have worked hard to ensure rate increases are kept as low as is possible, what I haven't done is keep telling you all about it.
I have always welcomed input on what parts of the regional councils role they should stop doing on behalf of our community and its future resilience.
When any came that did not put our community at risk I have listened and acted.

I have been proud to work on behalf of our community at the regional council table, thank-you to the thousands of Wanganui people who have consistently supported that work.

Annette Main
Regional Councillor


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