Marlborough—Wairau (4)

Press, 6 October 1989, Page 34

Marlborough—Wairau (4)

Michael Briggs Mr Briggs is married, with three children. He is a farmer and grapegrower living in the Omaka Valley and has been involved in rural community affairs at local and provincial level for 17 years. He has served on the Marlborough County and United Councils and was chairman of the Marlborough Area Health Board’s steering committee.

He believes that for Marlborough to achieve its tremendous potential it requires people, enthusiasm, encouragement from local authorities and a regulation-free environment. Responsible development requires not only physical changes but a change in attitude to the environment and human resource.

“A council cannot achieve progress in social and economic well-being unless it draws on the expertise, experience and innovations of its inhabitants. With fewer councillors to represent the resdients and ratepayers of Marlborough I believe more than ever before that they require capable, reliable and energetic representation,” he says. Jennifer Cook Mrs Cook has two school-age children and is a voluntary community worker. The issues of con-

cem to her are the availability of more good quality affordable rental accommodation, recreational facilities catering for the young, and pollution.

“If we are concerned about pollution in the Sounds then we need to be as concerned about pollution in Marlborough as a whole. Are all the sprays that are being used safe for us and the environment?”

Mrs Cook says that the creation of more recreational facilities would help reduce the petty crime rate. The setting up of a bowling alley would not only cater for the young but it would also cater for visitors to the area.

“Marlborough is a marvellous place to live. In order to keep it that way we have to show our concern for the people as well as for the environment,” she says. Owen Glover Mr Glover is married, with four children, and is a keen sportsman. He is a co-director of New Zealand’s largest garlic marketing and export cooperative. He says that as a district councillor he will support the continued development and progress seen in the province. The Wairau Plains would continue to be a key to this. “We have proved it is possible to have respons-

ible development that adds to the tourism and recreational potential of Marlborough and, at the same time, create jobs and wealth from the farming of natural resources,” he says. He understands the needs of the community and business and says that Marlborough can have jobs, increased agricultural production and a lifestyle and environment second to none. “The District Council holds the key to our future prosperity. I welcome the opportunity to help create the environment for growth while protecting our beautiful resources by serving on the council and representing the best interests of the Wairau Plains,” he says. Pat Hammond Mr Hammond is a candidate for the Marlborough District Council (Wairau ward). He is married, with two sons, and farms at Renwick. He has been a Marlborough County councillor for 15 years and a member of the harbour board for three years. He is currently deputy chairman of the County Council, chairman of the planning committee and chairman of the Marlborough Sounds Maritime Planning Committee.

He says that his years as a councillor, six in senior positions with a proven progressive local

body, have given him experience and skills required to assist with a successful entrance of Marlborough into this new era of local government. “It is my belief that the planning and policies implemented by the County Council over the last 10 years have contributed largely to the excellent economic standards that exist in our province today, providing opportunities for development and employment in all areas. Continuity of these policies will keep the province progressive and ensure that it remains a pleasant place to live,” he says. Larry Pigou also standing for NelsonMarlborough Regional Council. Shirley Startup Mrs Startup is the mother of four children. She says that for 20 years she was involved in running a home, rearing children and taking part in community services such as Meals on Wheels, Red Cross, and Amersfoot Retirement Home. “This all came to a sudden halt six years ago when my husband suffered a stroke which nearly immobilised him and forced him into early retirement. I was obliged to cope with a wide range of difficulties. This experience has made me very conscious of the difficul-

ties faced by other women, retired people and others in the same situation where costs, taxes and GST spiral ever upwards and income remains static,” she says.

She has become increasingly aware of the need for a greater representation of women at all levels of government. She says that the council must be run as an efficient business but it must be remembered that its business is also the lives of people. “This is where I feel we need a more balanced representation of the population to over-

see and take part in the decisions that affect us,” Mrs Startup says. Stella Wadsworth

Mrs Wadsworth is a fifth generation Marlburian. She and her husband have spent all their married life in the Wairau Valley so she finds no trouble in being part of a wider Marlborough. "I have never considered myself a town or country person, always a Marlburian. We know and appreciate the advantages of bringing up children in Marlborough. “I would appreciate the opportunity to work for a

stronger united Marlborough and would and would work loyally for all,” she says.

Mrs Wadsworth’s council experience includes membership of the United Council, Marlborough County Council planning committee and health, building and by-laws committee. She is also on the Marlborough Polytechnic establishment committee, Marlborough Promotions, Civic Theatre Trust and Walkways committee. She was also a member of the Marlborough Area Health Board steering committee.