Adrienne Staples was re-elected as Wairarapa representative on Greater Wellington Regional Council. PHOTO/FILE
MARCUS ANSELM
Adrienne Staples said she got the message that Greater Wellington Regional Council [GWRC] needs to “up our game” after her successful re-election campaign.
The former South Wairarapa mayor was reinstated for a second term as Wairarapa representative to the regional body.
Staples beat competition from economist and ex-Masterton District Council chief executive Pim Borren and Richard Moore, the owner-operator of a polystyrene recycling operation.
She said she was “genuinely thrilled to bits to be representing Wairarapa at the regional table again” but had learned lessons on the hustings.
“I recognise that my opponents focused a lot on regional council wasn’t performing and they received votes on that campaign so it is something I am taking notice of and will be taking back to the table that we have to up our game.
“That’s the message that I’ve taken from the election.
“While I obviously have support, there are people out there who are not happy with the regional council or the work that I’m doing.”
Staples paid tribute to her former deputy mayor Viv Napier following her defeat in the South Wairarapa mayoralty race.
“It was a surprise. With elections you never know, and Viv had two very difficult things to deal with in the last year, with the Featherston wastewater plant and the Martinborough water supply.
“Viv served her community and local government for a good few many years and was really good at it.
“She’s worked very hard and it’s always a pity for someone with a stellar record to end up in the position she did. But I know she’ll be very gracious and helpful in the handover because that’s just her nature.”
The new regional councillors will be sworn in at a ceremony in Wellington next week.
It seems to be a great surprise to Mrs Staples that the GWRC needs to up its game. It’s been blindingly obvious to most people for a very long time, especially in regard to the Wairarapa trains — where any hope for significant improvements slips further and further away.