PROFILE: Aidan Ellims Martinborough Ward Councillor

Aidan Ellims spent eight of his 17 years in the police force working sole charge in

Martinborough and would love to see the role reinstated so that there is a police presence

in the village. That is one of the many things he is passionate about in his role as a district

councillor.

How long have you been a councillor and which ward do live in?

I have been a councillor for one term and I live in Martinborough. I was on the Martinborough

Community Board from 2019 to 2022, prior to being a councillor.

Where were you born and bred and where do you consider home?

I was born and bred in Greytown. I came to Martinborough in 2001 and have been here ever

since. It’s home.

What do you most love about the South Wairarapa?

The small towns and our rural communities. Each one is diverse and provides so much to

the whole district.

Where is your favourite place in the South Wairarapa and why?

The South Wairarapa coastline, whether it’s Ocean Beach, Cape Palliser or White Rock,

Tora, Te Awaite or Pahaoa.

What is the best thing about living in the South Wairarapa?

The communities and the climate. It’s great to have four distinct seasons and the people are

friendly. Even when I was policing, if people didn’t agree with a path we were taking, I could

still have great conversations and shake hands after a chat.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

The South Wairarapa is home. I have travelled and lived overseas, including Moscow in

1991/1992, as well as many other places, however, South Wairarapa has always been

home.

If you could change one thing in the South Wairarapa, what would it be?

Before I became a councillor, I wanted to see a greater flow of communication between the

Council and communities in a productive way. I wanted to be part of creating that and in my

time on the Community Board and Council, we have made improvements. The steps are

small and change is a gradual process but it is happening.

What is your ideal meal, what time of day and where would it be?

I’m quite partial to home made macaroni cheese for dinner.

Do you have a favourite beverage made in the South Wairarapa?

Beer would be Hinekura Hazy IPA from Martinborough Brewery.

Which word or phrase do you most overuse?

I try to be positive and often say “Have a great day” and if people ask how I am, the reply is

often “I’m great”. I don’t think I overuse ‘great’.

Which writer do you most admire?

I enjoy reading Tom Clancy and Lee Childs.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Charles Upham (Double VC holder). He was born and bred in the countryside and he faced a hell of a lot of challenges, putting his head above the parapet and in spite of everything, all the awards and

attention he garnered because of his heroics, he remained humble.

How do you unwind and relax?

I am an active relaxer. We like to travel when we get the opportunity but we relax more by

working on our 55-acre block of land running sheep and cattle.

Ends

Caption: Former community cop Aidan Ellims wants police presence back in town.