Long serving Chief Executive Robin Reeves announces his departure from Westland District Council - November 30 2011
Long serving Westland District Council Chief Executive Robin Reeves has announced he will leave his position in September 2012.
Robin came to the West Coast in 1982 and started work as the County Clerk in 1985 rising to the position of Chief Executive of Westland District Council in 1998.
Mr Reeves said his decision was not taken lightly as a huge part of his life has been invested into working for the Westland District. “I’m proud of the contribution I have made. It has been a huge part of my life but at the end of the day I don’t want it to be my whole life and I am conscious of the toll on my family and friends because of my high profile position. I’m also less tolerant of the constant and intense negativity from a small sector of the community.”
Despite being a small district Robin Reeves is extremely proud of the achievements of Council during his tenure. Two of these achievements include Westland District being voted the hottest district in New Zealand in 2004 by the Local Government Forum and the best council to do business with in 2007 by Federated Farmers.
Mayor Maureen Pugh says Mr. Reeves’ departure will be a great loss to Westland. “Robin has contributed a huge amount to the Westland District. One of the highlights for me is the amazing work he has done in attracting $6m of outside investment into the District for the Cycle Trail project.
Robin leaves many real and very tangible legacies for Westland. The Council Controlled Companies he has championed, like Westroads and Hokitika Airport, already show outstanding long term benefits for the community, including an impact on the amount of rates we pay now and in the future.”
Council will begin to search for a new CEO after the adoption of the Long Term Plan in June 2012.
Mayor Maureen Pugh says “The departure of Robin Reeves puts our District in a vulnerable position as we are faced with the loss of a huge amount of knowledge about our District as well as his experience in all matters relating to local government. We will work incredibly hard to find a replacement that will do justice to the legacy Robin leaves for Westland. He has been a wonderful work colleague and I will miss his wise and calm contribution. We wish him all the very best for the future.”
Wilderness gallery takes top honours in pride of place competition - October 18 2011
Wilderness Gallery shone through to take top place in the annual, spring time Hokitika ‘Pride of Place’ Competition.
Business premises get judged on various categories including having an attractive and tidy entrance, tidy garden areas and lights or security lights installed under verandahs as well as having a tidy service yard area.
The judges this year were Constable Jon Armstrong, Mayor Maureen Pugh and Councillor Kyle Scott. The judges weighed up all the criteria and the overall impression of each business.
Derek Blight the Westland District Council Community Services Officer said “the purpose of the competition is to inspire and encourage businesses to take pride in their buildings and to encourage a safer Hokitika by preventing crime through good environmental design principles.”
Juergen Schacke the owner of the Wilderness Gallery will receive a cheque for $300.00 from Enterprise Hokitika at the Safer Community Council Meeting on Friday 21 October.
Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key gets introduced to Westland’s cycle way - September 22
The Rt Hon Prime Minister John Key was introduced to Westland’s new cycle way section at Kumara on Thursday 22 September.
The 120 kilometer trail starts in Greymouth and runs along the coast before turning inland to follow an historic tramway to Kumara.
From Kumara it passes through rainforest to Milltown in the Arahura Valley. The trail then follows the Arahura River to Lake Kaniere and then on to Hokitika and Ross.
The trail is grade one meaning it is suitable for riders of all ages and abilities. There will be many attractions along the trail including gold panning and paddle boat cruising.
The trail will also boast multiple entry points that will make it easy for the public to access where they want to start.
The Westland Wilderness Trust has worked hard to secure the funding for the cycle trail with the support of the local community.
The Prime Minister in his capacity as Minister of Tourism is visiting the Kumara section of the cycle trail.
‘All blacks in your backyard’ – Public Event Schedule - August 12 - 2011
Westland District Council and West Coast Rugby Union announced the public schedule of events for ‘All Blacks in our backyard’ today.
On Friday 2 September at 8am the public is invited to enter the Gym at Westland High School where the All Blacks will be welcomed by the Westland High School’s Kapa Haka group then the All Blacks will address the audience.
At 8.30am the public will be given the opportunity to meet and have their photograph taken with the All Blacks. The public are also invited to bring ONE item to be autographed.
There is a strict one hour opportunity for the public to interact due to travel commitments.
Mayor Maureen Pugh says “No doubt it is going to be an awesome event and very special for young rugby players and fans. We won’t know what All Blacks will be coming to Hokitika until after the squad is announced for the Rugby World Cup.”
Location http://www.wildfoods.co.nz/index.cfm/1,638,0,0,html
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