Waitaki

Press, 14 November 1981, Page 7

Waitaki

PROFILE: The Waitaki electorate is centred on Oamaru, but takes in the Mackenzie Country, the coastal area south of Timaru, and the area west to Lake Ohau. It covers mainly sheep farming country. 1978 results: National, 8375; Labour, 7060; Social Credit, 3841; Values, 237. It is a marginal National seat, requiring a 4.3 per cent swing to change hands.

He regards the Waitaki Valley as a "mecca” for tourists. Hyrdo-power development in the upper reaches of the river has enhanced the recreational opportunities. Effective multi-purpose planning would ensure that the development of the Lower Waitaki would generate electricity, improve the fishing and boating, and make up to 15,000 ha available for young people contemplating farming and would provide enough water for irrigation, he says. Mr Elworthy was an office-bearer in the old Waitaki electorate 23 years ago, having been electorate chairman and Dominion councillor. At the last election, he was re-elected for a second term as member for the Waitaki electorate. He entered Parliament in 1975 to represent the Oamaru electorate. He regards his re-

election as a “stepping-stone on the way to continuing to achieve many aspects of progress in the electorate." Mr Elworthy and his wife, Judy, have three children. He is aged 45. and patron of about 20 clubs and organisations.

Above all. Mr Elworthy finds pleasure in having been involved with a large number of regional development and Rural Bank loans which have been used to increase production and to provide jobs in town and country in both North Otago and South Canterbury.