Nor'West News: September 13, 2016

10
Tuesday September 13 2016
Our People
NOR’WEST NEWS
Community board leader retires
When she first put her
hand up to be part of a
community board in 1995,
Val Carter was a
fresh-faced, concerned
resident who felt
intimidated by the whole
process. Fast-forward 21
years and she is ending her
tenure with the Fendalton-
Waimairi Community Board.
Andrew King talks to her
about life as an elected
official
Wow, 21 years as an elected
official – has it flown by?
It has certainly flown by. It is
surprising how fast time flies, but
I have enjoyed every minute of it.
When you think about it in those
terms, it seems long but it really
has been a very enjoyable time
of my life. It takes a long time
to work out the processes and
realise that the whole machinery
of the city council works slowly.
Describe the feeling you
had when you first put your
nomination in, what was going
through your head?
I think I was nervous because I
didn’t know if I would be elected
and it is a big thing to stand up
and say I want to represent you.
It was new territory for me, as
I had never done anything like
that before. It was quite nerveracking
to be working with very
experienced elected people. It
was quite intimidating.
Who were the incumbents
that you took on?
I was part of the Citizens Team
SERVICE: After
21 years in local
body politics,
Val Carter will
not be seeking
re-election.
PHOTO:
MARTIN
HUNTER
back in those days. We were
up against another full team.
I can’t quite remember what
it was called or who was in it,
but we won and got in. It was
a time where the competition
meant there was more robust
campaigning, which meant there
were great options for the community
to make a choice that
would benefit them.
What was the community
board like in the early days?
There were four councillors
and about five members. They
have not changed a lot. They still
have the same purpose now as
they did back then. Giving the
community a voice.
Did you have many clashes
over the years?
Not really. When you are
standing as a team, you work as a
team. Things have changed over
the years. It has never been cutthroat
like national politics, it
has always been polite. The thing
is once you are elected onto the
board you work together. Our
board has always been harmonious.
When did you became chairwoman?
I was nominated chairwoman
in 2007, and have been there for
the last three terms.
You must have seen a few
mayors come and go, what has
been your impression of them?
They have all been different.
Vicki Buck was a wonderful,
optimistic, people person, and
so was Garry Moore. He was
a steady hand and kept things
moving while looking after the
ship very well. Bob Parker was
the best speaker to the public,
with strong media skills.
He had a very tough task
because of the earthquakes, but
I think he did a fantastic job.
Lianne Dalziel has steadied the
ship after the earthquakes quite
nicely.
LAWyerS
HELPING US,
HELPS THE
COMMUNITY
Drop off or buy
2 family stores in your community
30 Main North Rd,
Ph 352 4581
520 Cranford St,
Ph 352 0515
We have over 40 years’ experience
to assist you with…
• Buying and Selling Houses and
Commercial Property
• Wills, Trusts and Estate matters
• All issues facing you and your business;
• Employment Law matters;
• Traffic matters;
• Earthquake related issues; and
• Advice regarding Retirement Villages
Call John, Brendan or Andrew
today on 03 366 8996 to find
out how we can help you.
Email. lawyers@mclegal.co.nz
Airport Business Park
92 Russley Road
Christchurch 8042
Taking Care of Business
Buying or selling commercial or residential property, leases,
employment contracts, building contracts, we take care of it for you,
so you can take care of business.
3 locations: New Brighton, Styx Mill & Kaiapoi
www.pierlaw.co.nz