What are your priorities for the year ahead?
Funding: reviewing our rating model and ensuring financial sustainability. Protection: managing growth while safeguarding infrastructure and our unique identity. Attraction: bringing in new businesses, industries and boosting tourism and economic development. Regional leadership: playing an active role in shaping the changes coming our way.
What opportunities do you see in the year to come?
We’ve got some exciting opportunities ahead! Shaping our new water council-controlled organisation will be a game-changer for resilience and sustainability. Connecting cyclists with the Gibbston Valley via the Kawarau Gorge Trail will open up incredible tourism and lifestyle benefits. We’ll celebrate the opening of our brand-new facility in Cromwell — still waiting on that perfect name. And continuing big conversations around large-scale water storage and resilience that will set us up for the future.
What challenges do you see?
The impacts of reform on the Central Otago District Council will require careful navigation. Fast track applications in areas we haven’t anticipated could test our planning frameworks. And then there’s the necessary tough conversations about prioritising projects under a proposed rates cap system.
How do you plan to navigate these?
Communication is everything. Honestly, I don’t think we can over-communicate on these issues. This year will be the year to truly understand the ins and outs of local government which will be awesome.
What New Year’s resolutions do you have for yourself ...?
Maybe a little less indulgence in Central Otago’s amazing food and wine and a little more time outdoors! Plus, I’d love to read more books this year.
... and your district ...?
After a tough 2025, let’s focus on being kind — to ourselves and each other — gratitude, and being ready to seize every opportunity that comes our way.
... and your council?
To be the best council in New Zealand! Bold, collaborative and future-focused.
How did you spend your holiday break?
I soaked up the best of Central Otago — gardening, mowing, enjoying our incredible food and wine, and a magical week away camping in the Hakataramea Valley. Pure bliss.
