Buchanan to seek re-election | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

Long-serving regional councillor  Ian Buchanan has announced
he will be seeking re-election to the Greater Wellington
Regional Council at the October elections.

Mr Buchanan has represented Wairarapa on the coun
cil since 1992 and has been the sole Wairarapa representative
since 2007, when the number of councillors from Wairarapa was
reduced from two to one by the Local Government Commission.

 ``The next few years will be important for councils in this
region as the Government considers local government structure options following the Auckland changes,'' he said.

``Whether we get a `super' model imposed, no change, or
something in between, effective advocacy for Wairarapa inter
ests will be needed. This will require experience and credibility within the regional political structure to achieve the best outcomes for Wairarapa.''

Mr Buchanan is a past chairman of the council and chairs
the catchment management committee, responsible for flood
protection, land management, environmental programmes,
forestry and pest management.
He is also a member of the review committee for the
national resources regional plan now under development by the
council.

``This plan has the potential to significantly alter the way we
use the Resource Management Act, moving towards greater
individual and community responsibility,'' he said.

  ``A great deal of effort will be put into involving the regional
community in preparing for this plan and I am looking forward
to playing a leading role.''

 If re-elected, Mr Buchanan said he would continue to pro
vide a  rural perspective in an  urban-dominated council.

Meanwhile, flurry of eager candidates have declared their candidacy
for Masterton's local body elections before nominations
close this Friday.

Four sitting members of the Masterton Licensing Trust hope
to keep their seats: Jock Kershaw, Karl Taucher, Brian Bourke and Craig Cooper.

Alan Bohm and Marie McAnulty are running for Masterton Trust Lands Trust.
Mr Bohm will also contest the At Large ward for Masterton
District Council alongside Pip Hannon, who has also
declared her candidacy.