Greg Lang speaking to swimmers before they take the plunge at the mid-winter swim. PHOTO/GRACE PRIOR
Current Carterton mayor Greg Lang is putting his name in the ring for a second term.
Lang said, if elected, his focus for the next term would be “front footing change” citing reforms to Three Waters and the Resource Management Act.
He said it was important for Wairarapa to have continuity in leadership.
“There’s so much change coming at us, and if we don’t front foot it, we won’t get the best outcomes for the community, economy, and whenua [land].
“What has really bubbled to the surface is front footing change. The sooner we embrace change, the better outcomes we’ll get.”
Lang said it could be tough on Wairarapa to have three new mayors pick up the quantity of work that’s currently underway in the region.
“The main thing that drives me is the ability to make a difference in other people’s lives. “It’s just taking on board the inspiration that I get from the community and to reflect their aspirations and ambitions in those decisions.
“It’s a real privilege being mayor, people come to you with ideas, and the real art is bringing people together and trying to get outcomes.”
Lang said the role of the mayor was to “become a connector”.
He said he had been successful in connecting people, including gathering the three councils and multiple community groups to form the Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Network.
“Now we’re at a stage where a trust is being set up to deliver the project.”
He said it wasn’t his role to champion everything but to connect with the community and allow them to step up.
Lang said he was a collaborator by nature, which made him a good fit for the role.
“I’ve just got a really strong belief that we gather strength as we go forward together.”
He said he had spent 25 years driving community initiatives, almost 30 years as a business owner, and nine years as an elected member – three of those as mayor.
“With leadership, you don’t want to outstay your welcome. “You get in there, lead strongly, make a difference, and then pass the baton on.”
