Thanks Adrienne

Twelve years ago popular mayor John Read decided to stand down and with out any obvious successor the field was wide open. Four quite well known people put their hand up for the position resulting in a closely contested election from which Adrienne came out the winner. Adrienne, as Featherston Community Board Chairperson, had earned a positive profile as a leader following her handling of the murder of a school child which had devastated the town.
It was generally thought that John’s would be a hard act to follow but Adrienne quickly established herself a worthy successor. Council meetings were certainly kept moving along at a more business like pace. However they had continued to work on a friendly discussion basis with decisions continuing to be made on consensus, very seldom having to be taken to a vote.
Like John, she is blessed with a great sense of humour, this often coming to the fore to defuse a tense situation. Being on Adrienne’s council was certainly a pleasant, and productive, experience.

South Wairarapa presents a challenge few other District Councils are faced with the providing of facilities for three towns rather than one as in most districts . Plus with each having relatively small populations there is only a small rating base to pay for everything. Adrienne can leave the council satisfied with how she has managed such a challenging district.
Much has been achieved over the last twelve years with upgrades to the amenities of the three towns and major upgrades to both the sewerage systems and water supplies well under way. An efficient and sustainable waste/recycling system established and the upkeep of civic amenities much improved.
Indeed one the many pluses is achieving a noticeable improvement in council provided daily services and the upkeep of our parks and reserves. And in the surely more pleasant side, taking part in the various celebrations of Featherston’s historic connections with the World War One centenary commemorations.
The final term may well remain in Adrienne’s mind as her busiest, what with fighting the government’s ill advised bid to drag Wairarapa into a Wellington Super City. The financing of the very expensive sewerage projects and finding more water for expanding towns. These in addition to interesting local controversies in each of the three towns. Not to mention a Councillor or two badly letting the council down from time to time.
So thank you Mayor Adrienne, and all the best with your new Regional Council position project. I am sure that you will serve Wairarapa well in your new role
Mike Beckett

Photo caption: Openings are among the more pleasant Mayoral duties.