South Wairarapa councillor Colin Olds has stepped down from the Featherston Community Board he has served on since 2016.
Two seats on the community board are reserved for Featherston ward councillors, and Olds stepping down makes way for Deputy Mayor and councillor Melissa Sadler-Futter to take his place.
The move also allows Olds to prioritise more time for the South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] finance portfolio he has taken on, which he said will be his primary focus on council.
“To do the job properly, you need to focus on the key issues the council faces.
“Obviously, with three waters reforms coming up, there will be significant changes in the council’s budgeting,” Olds said.
“I’ve got a degree of experience as I’ve worked my way through since 2013.
“Hence, the mayor has got enough confidence in me to give me the chair of that particular portfolio.”
Olds said he was hopeful for Featherston’s future.
“Look, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on the community boa.
“It’s had its challenges, there is no doubt about that at all – we’ve gone through some pretty turbulent times within our Featherston community.
“But I feel really confident about this community board; it’s relatively young and vibrant, and fantastically community-focused, which will be a key attribute to its success.”
Featherston has huge potential to grow and move forward, Olds said.
“It goes without saying; it’s going to happen.
“We’ve got a vibrant community with younger families moving in, people with a mix of skills that they can all contribute to make Featherston the success it will be – and is now.”
