New mayor brings optimism and energy

 

By Rob Pooley

Kaipara’s new mayor Dr Jason Smith was officially sworn in to office at a short ceremony at Dargaville last Friday. Dr Smith topped the recent by-election poll with 3,021 votes cast by just over 42 per cent of the electorate, or 6727 voters and against seven other aspirants.

While certainly a new face to most attending, mayor Smith endorsed his pre-election slogan of a ‘Fresh Start’ for Kaipara and while cogniscent of the past, is looking optimistically towards the future.

As part of a family which has been in Kaipara for five generations including former MP and High Commissioner Sir Lockwood Smith, it could be said that mayor Smith has the pedigree to fit him well for the task ahead.

Smith says he is well aware of the problems Kaipara has had to endure but is also aware of the vibrance and progressive potential it has and believes that it is through looking forward with fresh eyes that Kaipara can again achieve that potential. “I am looking forward to getting to know the councillors and the general operations, meeting and working with the other mayors of Northland plus the regional council,” Jason said after his election win. He considers himself a team player, is keen to attend events and become more aware of each district to encompass all areas of Kaipara as to their needs and collaborate with other major stakeholders towards a more progressive Northland.

The Long Term Plan is perhaps the main item on the Council agenda at present. A beef and sheep farmer from Ruawai, Jason Smith has firsthand knowledge of the rural sector within the region but also served as CEO of the Kaipara Development Agency from 2002 to 2005 after which he gained his PhD in economic development public policy, returning to farming and winning two Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

He also ran an ecotourism business on a forest reserve on his farm focussing on the kauri forest and bush lore. His broad knowledge of things rural and commercial, practical and academic should stand him in good stead. Council will decide on a deputy mayor shortly but the council make-up remains unchanged assuring Kaipara residents of continued stability going forward.

Newly elected Kaipara mayor Jason Smith, left, and councillors,  after being sworn in last week. - PHOTO/Ben Hope

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