As we enter a new year, we caught up with several elected members from across the Eastern Bay to get their thoughts and reflections on the last year and the year ahead.
Bay of Plenty (File photo). Photo: Tourism Bay of Plenty
Alison Silcock, Whakatāne district councillor, Galatea-Murupara ward
My highlight of last year…
The birth of two granddaughters and to spend three weeks in Perth with brand-new Georgia and with my other grandchildren and their families.
What I'm most looking forward to in 2020…
The re-introduction of the Beacon to the Galatea-Murupara ward so our communities can stay connected to Whakatāne.
My most embarrassing moment last year…
Being asked to sing for Christmas in the Pa Choir. I did warn them I can't even clap in time.
My favourite thing about living in Whakatāne is…
Whakatāne? Who would live there when the centre of the universe is Galatea.
If I could invite anyone to a barbecue this summer, it would be …
As long as someone cooks on my barbecue anyone is welcome.
When I was young, I dreamt of being …
Odette in Swan Lake
My favourite song to sing along to is …
As long as no one can hear me, I enjoy singing.
Lesley Immink, Whakatāne district councillor, Whakatāne-Ōhope ward
My New Year's resolution is to ...
Learn more and improve my te reo Māori.
My highlight of the last year was ...
Being a Dragon at NZ Māori Tourism's Dragon Den business competition.
What I'm most looking forward to in 2020 is …
Getting stuck into council matters and creating new thinking strategies and actions for our community's future wellbeing.
My most embarrassing moment last year was …
Assuming someone I was introduced to had mistook me for my twin sister only to have her name the time and date I had met her before. Was embarrassing so quickly had to cover up the "nice to meet you" with adding "again" at the tail-end and pretended I knew who they were.
My favourite thing about living in Whakatane is …
The sunshine hours and being able to park outside most shops.
If I could invite anyone to a barbecue this summer, it would be …
Zoe Palmer from Nelson. In 2018, at only 18 years old, Zoe stopped the DHB from closing down youth mental health services in Nelson. Generally young people look to older people for guidance and inspiration, but we really have it the wrong way around. Young people like Zoe make me want to be a better leader for them and our kids' future. I'd love to chat to Zoe to learn about how she, as David, beat Goliath, the DHB and invite her to Whakatāne to share her story and view of the world with us.
When I was young, I dreamt of being …
An astronaut.
My favourite song to sing along to is …
Fly Me to the Moon.
Julie Jukes, Whakatane district councillor, Whakatane-Ohope ward
My New Year's resolution is …
To get fit.
My highlight of last year was …
Being re-elected to council. Thanks to everyone who voted for me.
What I'm most looking forward to in 2020 is …
A well-overdue holiday.
My favourite thing about living in Whakātane is …
The people. We are a community that rallies together in times of need.
If I could invite anyone to a barbecue this summer, it would be …
Tim Southee for some cricket on the beach while the meat is on the barbie.
When I was young, I dreamt of being…
A singer, but my talents lie elsewhere.
My favourite song to sing along to …
I Will Survive.
Gavin Dennis, Whakatāne district councillor, Rangitaiki ward
My New Year's resolution is …
Having reticulated sewage in Matata.
My highlight of last year was …
Retiring from shift work.
What I'm most looking forward to in 2020 is …
No more disasters in the Whakatāne district.
My most embarrassing moment last year was …
During a call-out to a scrub fire with the Matata Volunteer Fire Brigade, I climbed over a fence at the same time as one of the other crew. The result was me face-planting on the other side of the fence and badly spraining my ankle.
My favourite thing about living in Whakatāne is …
That I live in a paradise called Matata.
If I could invite anyone to a barbecue this summer, it would be …
Chris who was a good friend that I lost contact with in my teens. I would love to find out what he had been up to.
When I was young, I dreamt of being …
Superman.
My favourite song to sing along to is …
Somewhere Over the Rainbow because it sends my baby granddaughter off to sleep within minutes.
Ōpōtiki deputy mayor, Shona Browne
My New Year's resolution is …
Not to have one. After x amount of years, I never keep them.
My highlight of last year was …
After a rough lead up to the World Cup, to see the Silver Ferns show a never-give-up attitude and to eventually win the Netball World Cup. Such a good example to us all.
If I could invite someone to a barbecue it would be …
Robin Williams. He had such amazing talent and a wicked sense of humour it would be a night to remember.
My favourite thing about living in Ōpōtiki is …
The people, the climate, our location and our huge potential.
My favourite song to sing along to is …
The Eagles' Hotel California. As a huge fan it brings back great memories of rugby trips and sing-alongs we used to enjoy on our trips home after a game.
What I'm most looking forward to this year is …
Hopefully getting the big tick from the government and Shane Jones to proceed with our harbour development.
When I was young, I dreamt of being …
An air hostess because I absolutely love flying. Don't know what happened there, my career path wasn't even close.
Judy Turner, Whakatāne Mayor
My New Year's resolution is …
To improve my te reo Māori.
My highlight of last year was …
Getting elected.
What I'm most looking forward to in 2020 is …
Starting the public discussions and strategic thinking that sets in place our work programme for the next three years.
My most embarrassing moment last year was …
Falling down a flight of stairs at council, reason unknown. No injury, just embarrassing, glad the Beacon wasn't there to photograph it and headline it.
My favourite thing about living in Whakatāne is …
The people. Particularly those with intergenerational history here and those that go the extra mile by volunteering in some way to make this place great for others.
If I could invite anyone to a barbecue this summer it would be …
Shane Jones so that I could help him see the value of investing some of his $3 billion Provincial Growth Fund money into our district.
When I was young, I dreamt of being …
The owner of a shop that sold Tip Top ice-cream.
My favourite song to sing along to is …
Whakaaria Mai. Since 9 December, whenever we gathered at the marae to reflect on all that happened and to support each other we sang this song and were reminded that we weren't facing this alone. I still find myself humming it when I think about all that happened.
Debi Hocart, Ōpōtiki district councillor, Waioeka/Waiotahe ward
My New Year's resolution is…
To have more time to read novels, not council agendas, do some home crafts and get back into spinning.
My highlight of the last year was…
My BIG birthday
What I'm most looking forward to in 2020 is…
Laughing with friends
My most embarrassing moment from the last year was…
Ooh can't possibly share that one
My favourite thing about living in Ōpōtiki is…
It's possibly the best place in the world
If I could invite anyone to a barbecue this summer, it would be…
The Queen, so she could experience a barbecue at Te Maungaputake, Makeo. There is nothing else quite like it.
When I was young, I dreamt of being…
Rich and famous? Nah, lots of things.
My favourite song to sing along to is…
I have lots of them, if you don't like my singing, best you move away
Lyn Riesterer, Ōpōtiki Mayor
My New Year's resolution is…
To spend more time talking with friends both in New Zealand and overseas.
My highlight of the last year was…
Being elected to the mayoral position in the Ōpōtiki district.
What I'm most looking forward to in 2020 is…
Working with our council for the betterment of our entire community
When I was young, I dreamt of being…
A professionally paid sportswoman - before there were any!
Victor Luca, Whakatane district councillor, Whakatāne-Ōhope ward
My New Year's resolution is…
To embark on an education campaign on Anthropogenic Climate Change among other things. Brace yourselves!
My highlight of the last year…
Returning to my town of origin and being given the opportunity to make a difference. Seeing that Whakatāne hasn't changed all that much and that my old man hasn't sold the boat.
What I'm most looking forward to in 2020…
Making a smooth career change, fitting back into my wetsuit, not falling off my mountain bike and buying a dirt bike. Yes, I never really grew up!
My most embarrassing moment from last year was…
Let me get back to you in 2021. I am sure there will be many of them by then.
My favourite thing about living in Whakatāne…
Bush walking, fishing, swimming in the sea, Whakatāne's iconic outdoor pool and whanau.
If I could invite anyone to a barbecue this summer, it would be…
Maybe Jacinda Ardern so that I could ask her for a job and congratulate her for trying to do something about climate change, social justice and so on. Also, I have a few bones to pick with her.
My favourite song to sing along to…
The Last Resort by The Eagles. I know that all these youngsters out there won't have heard of The Eagles! You should be ashamed! Please try use the internet for something useful and look them up. Perhaps even check out the lyrics and try to decipher them. Also, I like Hotel California, but could never figure out the lyrics for that one.
John Pullar, Whakatane district councillor, Whakatāne-Ōhope ward
My New Year's resolution is…
To enjoy our family and do my best as a councillor for our district.
My highlight of last year was…
Being presented with my Queen's Service Medal at Government House in Wellington with all my family present and getting elected onto council.
What I'm most looking forward to in 2020…
Watching our grandies at their sports.
My most embarrassing moment last year was…
Going to a function which was on the night before.
My favourite thing about living in Whakatāne is…
The lifestyle.
If I could invite anyone to a barbecue this summer, it would be…
Our family because we always have fun about and around each other. Lots of joshing.
When I was young, I dreamt of being…
A farmer because all my uncles were farmers in Cromwell and Ranfurly. We used to stay there in the school holidays and help on the farm.
My favourite song to sing along to is…
If I Were a Carpenter and You Were a Lady. I am also a Beatles fan.
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