Kia Ora,

Stepping into the role of Chief Executive at Tararua District Council has been both a privilege and a genuinely heartening experience. From day one, the warmth of the welcome - from elected members, staff, and community alike - has reaffirmed something I already suspected. Tararua is a great district built on connection and a pride of living in a pretty special part of the country. It is clear to me already that people here care deeply about their towns, their rural communities, and their future. I am honoured to now be part of this.

Of course, I’m joining at a time of significant change in the local government landscape. The Government’s reform programme brings with it uncertainties and challenges for councils across the country. Whether it’s evolving expectations around infrastructure delivery, the definition of what is core, rates capping, shifts in regulatory frameworks, or new service delivery models, local government is being asked to adapt to a new environment.

But while reform can feel daunting, it also opens the door to fresh thinking. In Tararua, we have an opportunity not just to respond to change, but to lean into it. We can explore new ways of delivering services that are not only more efficient, but also more sustainable. We can look at what we should be doing and perhaps doing for others, whilst also exploring what others might do for us. All this points to the potential of leveraging efficiencies of scale through things like shared services. Thinking outside the traditional boxes - while still keeping what works - will be essential. Whatever approach we take, our focus must be on delivering high‑quality, cost‑effective services while keeping rates as affordable as possible, our community has been clear about this.

It is also important to emphasise the role of our elected members play in this. It is they who set the direction and make decisions on behalf of the community. My role, and the role of the council team, is to support them with sound advice and then ensure the organisation delivers on the decisions they make. Good local government is a partnership: between governance and operations, between council and community. Everything we do should be with our residents and ratepayers in mind. When those relationships are strong, outcomes improve for everyone.

So as I begin my term as Tararua District Council’s Chief Executive, I am excited about what lies ahead. My wife and I begin settling into our new home at the end of the month, and together we will begin to become part of the community. If you see me out and about walking the dogs, at the local market or even just down the street, please feel free to come up and say hello. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside the people who make Tararua the special place it is.

Ngā mihi nui, many thanks

Corin Haines - Chief Executive