Cath Wightman - Tairua/Pauanui Community Board nominee

By Helinor Stead

When nominations were being accepted for the Tairua/Pauanui Community Board Cath Wightman knew she had to run. With her passion for her local community Cath ticks all the boxes required and feels her lifetime of involvement in Tairua especially, places her well to represent the area. 

Cath brings balance and resilience. She is a much needed female voice in a council where that demographic is sorely underrepresented. From this vantage point she has a great perspective to offer. A voice across the community. ‘I’ve leaned on the community when I have needed to and it’s time to give back.’

The Thames Coromandel District Council site tells us, ‘The role of a community board member is similar to that of a Councillor… specific accountabilities include ‘to consult with members of the public, local police, education providers and other community stakeholders to develop a sound understanding of the diverse issues facing the community and to obtain their perspectives on the development and of council strategies and plans.’

‘I specifically have not brought a personal agenda. I want to see top quality facilities for the broader community. I see my role as bringing the views and needs of the wider population and ensuring positive outcomes.’

‘I’ve raised three kids here, I’ve lived here permanently for 19 years and I’ve been visiting since I was just 6 weeks old! Tairua and Pauanui have an community spirit. I’ve seen first hand how wonderful we are when we band together and I would love to be instrumental in utilising that spirit to bring the community what it needs.’ 

A person can apply to enrol as either a residential or ratepayer elector up to and including Thursday 22 July – the day before the close of voting.

While voting by post has now closed voting documents can still be hand-delivered to Tairua Library, 2 Manaia Road, Tairua.

Voting has now closed. And, we can now congratulate Cath for becoming a Tairua/Pauanui Board member.