Robert Hunter

A local voice for the locals. I come from a multigenerational Southern Wairarapa family with understanding of civic responsibility.
After the razing of his Martinborough garage in 1926 our grandfather, Jack Hunter, fundraised for a new Model T Ford fire engine. (“At the time there was no fire truck, and they had to do everything by hand using buckets.” sic) a tradition carried on with relatives including a brother and sister serving as firefighters. I myself had an extensive involvement with Waihenga Scouts and the Martinborough Community centre)

From working for my father as an Agricultural labourer, a term at Pain & Kershaw, before attending University to study economics, Teacher Aiding, followed by a period of various “unique” jobs, I am currently employed in the wine sector and deal with multi government departments including; IRD, Customs, Ministry of Primary Industries, etc. – with accountability to several different auditing bodies; making written & verbal submissions before committees such as the Joint Wairarapa LAP, advocating our region wherever possible.
I realise and respect everyone’s needs within our district are different; from the commuter’s to pensioner’s requirements for public transport, through to the urban and rural sectors necessities for daily survival.
Personally the biggest topic for this election is amalgamation, I fear too few people realise that the “South Wairarapa District” is already an amalgamated council, with each community within the district feeling slightly grieved towards a perceived loss of public services.

Whether we like it or not we are being pushed towards some kind of merger. My biggest anxiety is that as a community we will lose our voice with all decisions effecting us taking place in Wellington or Masterton with little to no representation to fight on our behalf we may end up being ridden roughshod over leaving us saddled with other regions debt.
We need councillors whom will “do their best” to ensure that our democratic voice will be heard!
As I feel a little daunted at having to write about myself as I feel a large portion of the community know of me, I wish to extend the following invitation:

I have my coffee most mornings at Kitchener’s between 10 & 11am, please feel free to drop in and have a chat with me regarding YOUR concerns for Martinborough and the South Wairarapa.
Authorised by Robert Hunter 57 Venice St, Martinborough.