Graham Higginson

I was born in Featherston and educated locally. I have always been a keen sportsman, playing rugby for both Martinborough and Tuhirangi (Pirinoa). and coaching Wairarapa age grade hockey. Family followed sports and Trish my wife and I now have a blended family of 7 children and 13 grandchildren.

For the last 40 years I have been self-employed. Working pre-dominantly in the primary industry I have been farming and shearing, fishing and pest controller. My most commercial endeavour during this time employed 40 staff nationally. This has developed a real hands-on love of the environment and a passion for its care and protection. I believe the district offers huge developmental opportunities by managed utilisation of environment in both primary and tourism.

I believe that my aim is for transparency in local government together with a desire to progress the region’s economic viability would make me an excellent Councillor and/or Mayor for SWDC.

I also believe that the SWDC should stay firmly in the hands of the local people, where our pride ,compassion and love of the district should not be taken away.

It is also widely known that we play second fiddle to the Greater Wellington Council both in our rail link and commitment to the environment. Hard questions need to be asked.