Eastern 2015 FISH & GAME COUNCIL ELECTION Candidate Profiles
Listed in this booklet are the profile statements for each candidate for the 2015 Council election pursuant to regulation 10 of the Fish & Game Council Elections Regulations 1990. The Returning Officer of the Eastern Fish & Game Council accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the content contained in the statements as supplied by the candidates. 2
Contents Baird Alan Rotorua Lakes 4 Bull Sandy Gisborne 4 Coombes Ken Taupo 5 Davis Annaka Rotorua Lakes 5 Dods David Wairoa 6 Ferris Murray Gisborne 7 Grant Bruce Rotorua Lakes 7 Hawes Neal Rotorua Lakes 8 Little Mike Wairoa 8 Lyons Lindsay Rotorua Lakes 9 Roderick Barry Tauranga 9 Scragg Steve Wairoa 10 Storey Peter Rotorua Lakes 10 Sutton Terry Gisborne 11 Tamati Laurance Rotorua Lakes 11 Trego Jeanette Taupo 12 Woolner David Whakatane 12 3
Baird Alan Rotorua Lakes I have farmed at Ngakuru (south of Rotorua) with my wife Sandie, for 30 years, and we have 3 grown up children. Raised in Opotiki, my late father instilled a strong hunting and fishing ethic along with a love and respect for the environment in myself and my brothers. I have been fortunate to share this passion with my own children. Sharing of knowledge and wildfowl shooting as a family pasttime is one of the key reasons why I am standing for Council. I wish to now have input into the decision making about the future of fishing and game bird hunting. I would like to take part in preserving both activities for future generations of New Zealanders. We have a declining duck population due to many factors. It is time Fish & Game and shooters worked together to build up the duck population. Trout are raised and liberated. Should ducks also be raised and liberated? I have held office on many local committees. I am level headed, listen to all sides of a discussion, do my research and make informed decisions. At 59 years old, I believe that I have seen, heard and hunted a lot, and I can use my experience and knowledge to make informed decisions on your behalf. Thank you for your vote. Bull Sandy Gisborne To the Fish & Game licence holder. My name is Sandy Bull. I live in Gisborne and wish to stand for the Eastern Region Fish & Game Council. I am an active fresh water angler and game bird hunter. I run my own business called Wildlife Enterprises. My work is based on the management and restoration of wildlife habitats and fresh water fisheries. Previous Employment: Dept. Internal Affairs: Wildlife Service, Fish, Game & Protected Species. Dept. Conservation: Fish, Game & Protected Species. Fish & Game New Zealand: Fish, Game & Protected Species. For some 8 years I was Wildlife Ranger for the Gisborne/ East Coast/Wairoa Districts which included Lake Waikaremoana. I also lived and worked on the Central Plateau. I have a good working knowledge of Lake Taupo and the Rotorua Lakes. The river systems of the conservancy are well known to me. These include the Ruakituri, the Hangaroa, the Waiau and systems flowing from the Raukumara and Urewera ranges. Member of: Gisborne Anglers Club (President 14 years). The Wairoa Angling Club. 4
The Waikaremoana Boating and Fishing Association. The NZ Federation of Fresh Water Anglers (Executive and Life Member). I believe I have a good understanding of the functions of Fish & Game councils. If elected I undertake to keep good contact and report back to the clubs and the licence holder. I have a good working relationship with the Department of Conservation, the Gisborne District Council, local iwi and the farming community. Coombes Ken Taupo I am a 46 year-old father of three who has enjoyed fishing, hunting, diving and the outdoors from a young age. I remain active in all of them and I m strongly committed to seeing these recreations continue to thrive. Boat fishing with my children has overtaken my fly fishing time but sharing their excitement when a fish is caught is a real privilege, and more than a fair swap of methods. I also hunt waterfowl in the upper Waikato River, and like many others, I have concerns about our current game bird populations, both from a biological and social perspective. Over the past year I have attended a number of council meetings to better gain a broader understanding of the issues Fish & Game staff and licence holders face. This has reinforced my commitment to run for council. I would like the opportunity to become a Fish & Game councillor in order to give something back and I want to play my part in ensuring that we all can enjoy and experience the opportunities and traditions of trout fishing and waterfowl hunting. Both are under serious threat from loss of habitat, cut backs to access, and at times, unnecessary bureaucracy. As a councillor I see good communication as essential and I intend to express the views and concerns of all licence holders to the Council and at the same time provide feedback to anglers and hunters on the reasoning behind Fish & Game s decisions. Davis Annaka Rotorua Lakes I m seeking a fifth term on Council. I strongly believe that access and water quality and quantity are paramount to securing trout fishing opportunities for us now and for future generations. Preservation by careful and balanced management of the resource is crucial to the ongoing viability of this recreational activity. If re-elected I will continue to promote the general and specific interests of anglers in terms of Council policy direction and development. Being a very keen and enthusiastic angler myself, and knowing full well what that means in terms of fun and enjoyment of the great outdoors, provides a real appreciation of just how important it is to protect the 5
ongoing future of our trout fishing resource a recreational choice that must always be available. My contribution to Council s work would continue within these three broad strategic goals; resource protection, resource management and quality waterways - to enhance and maintain opportunities for trout fishing and make it an ongoing viable and realistic recreational sport. I was President of the Tauranga Anglers Club from 2002 to 2006 and work in the environmental health field which I have done for two decades a field of public health that focuses on protecting and preserving water sources such as recreational water. A position on Council would enable me to represent the voice of licence holders and provide a medium for your fishing interests to be considered. Dods David Wairoa I was born in Gisborne in 1947 and grew up on Repongaere my parents farm at Patutahi. I was educated at Gisborne BHS. I went farming (working) in Hawkes Bay and Canterbury and returned to the home farm on which I farmed sheep, cattle, deer, grapes and crops until 2005 when I leased it out. In 2005 I moved to Tuai where I own a property which I bought in 1978 (to enable me a permanent base to enjoy fishing). I became a member of the professional guides in 1980 and have run a guiding business since then over the summer months. I travelled overseas to England working for six months each year for three years on farms and experienced the English fishery. I went Trout fishing on large estates all over England and Scotland. I ve been duck and pheasant shooting since I was a small boy. I was five when I was taken to Waikaremoana and spent all summer there being taught to fish by the old timers. My passion for the protection of the fisheries was inspired by Dr Peter Mylchreest in the early seventies who I assisted in his research by catching fish for his study. I accompanied him on many occasions. He inspired me to try and protect the fisheries in our region. I ve always held licences for fishing and hunting and have fished all over New Zealand. My main recreation area is Rotorua and the Eastern region where I spend the most of my time. 6
Ferris Murray Gisborne I have held season licences for both fishing and game bird hunting for almost 60 years. I think Kiwis know how lucky we are to have the outdoors at our doorstep and as a current councillor and chairman of Eastern region I will continue to fight to preserve it should you favour me with your support. Fish & Game have some serious issues facing them, access, funding, clean water and game bird numbers to name a few. We have, and will fight hard on your behalf to retain what we have and improve on it. I get out and work alongside our staff during duck banding, shoveler counts, opening day fishing surveys and as an honorary ranger maintain contact with hunters and anglers in the field where you learn what they are happy and unhappy about. Eastern region has always been a top performing one and that is no accident. We have always had great councillors and highly competent staff who share their expertise with other regions regularly. I look forward to the future with great optimism and should I be re-elected I promise you I will continue to work hard on your behalf. Grant Bruce Rotorua Lakes No agendas. No hidden motives. I have no commercial vested interest in being on the Fish & Game Council, and if elected, my remit will be to do the best for those who, like me, love hunting and fishing. My desire is to make a positive difference in our environment to rivers, lakes and wetlands. I m also aware that licence holders should have some say in terms of access to the resources it is all about those who are the stakeholders. I am an independent contractor in the environmental sector, focusing on conservation values such as erosion and water quality. I am passionate about hunting and fresh water fishing, and have very strong views about how best to manage these pursuits. I am interested in the long-term planning for such activities and wish to make sure that future generations will have the same freedoms we have currently. I have had many years of enjoyment through my hunting and fishing pursuits from fishing Rotorua lakes to hunting quail in the Kaingaroa forest that I feel now is the time for me to give something back. I am Shoot Secretary at my local clay target club and a member of the Wild Fowlers Association. I thank you for your consideration. 7
Hawes Neal Rotorua Lakes Current F&G Councillor, since 2009 Age 70. Retired veterinarian. Have been an active outdoor sportsman all my life rugby, athletics, cross-country, fishing and deerstalking, and these days still enjoying fishing and bush walking. Have fished in the Rotorua region since the early 1980 s, and believe I have a good knowledge of the fishery. Have been a member of Rotorua Anglers Association since 1993, serving on the committee from 1997, filling many roles including President. Have been active in Fish & Game activities for many years, contributing fish to the hatchery programme, participating in datawatch programmes, participating in the RAA Kids Fishout programme (including 5 years as convener), and as F&G Councillor, and I believe my relationship with F&G management and staff over the years has been extremely good and of mutual benefit. I have now completed two terms as an Eastern Region Councillor, in which role I believe I have contributed well to discussions resulting in positive progress in many aspects affecting anglers. I am passionate about the wonderful fishery we have here in the Eastern region, and I believe that my fishing experience in the Rotorua region, as well as my biological science background, can continue to be utilised to the advantage of Fish & Game management of the fishery. Further, as a vehicle for liaison between F&G and RAA, I can continue to work towards enhancing the already very good relationship between F&G and RAA, to the benefit of all anglers. Little Mike Wairoa I am a committed long-term resident of Wairoa with family roots in the district reaching back to 1865. Add to this a lifetime in the construction industry, both in management and contractual roles which have endowed me with a keen sense of right and wrong, and a well-honed fiscal sense. After nine years as an Eastern Region councillor I would very much appreciate your vote to elect me for another term, so that I can continue to do my best for the interests of both anglers and hunters in the Wairoa district, and continue to work for the interests of local sports people. In the last year, time put in with a local primary school class on appreciation of what the Wairoa River provides for, and to hunters and anglers has been very rewarding. As always in life, new challenges arise which need dealing with and setting right. My promise is to continue my commitment to the licence holders and to represent their views to the best of my ability. 8
Lyons Lindsay Rotorua Lakes As a Fish & Game licence holder you are reading this profile and probably deciding who to vote for because, like me, you are obviously passionate about New Zealand s proud hunting and fishing heritage. As a keen waterfowl and upland bird hunter, co-founder of Ducks Unlimited in New Zealand, and dedicated fisherman for over 55 years I am once again putting my name forward as Councillor. I have enjoyed 15 years on the Eastern Fish & Game Council, seven years as Eastern s appointee on the NZ Fish & Game Council, and 16 months as NZC Chairman. Our sports are currently under attack from many quarters; diminishing water quality and quantity, lower waterfowl numbers (a major concern currently being addressed by NZ Council), and decreasing access (there is little value in allocating funds to enhance our resource if you and I are unable to access it because of self-serving, exclusive capture arrangements). During my 31 years as a fishing guide I witnessed increasing access problems and as such was the initial instigator behind the formation of the Walking Access Commission. Such challenges must be met head on. As a licence holder you are a valued member of Fish & Game which has become the largest environmental organisation in New Zealand addressing access, habitat and water degradation issues at a national level. You should be extremely proud of this membership. We have a very capable qualified team at Eastern Region. I look forward to working with them again in the future. 07 357 4087 Roderick Barry Tauranga Born in Te Puke 1953. I learnt to hunt and fish as a boy growing up there. Educated Te Puke High School and Massey University [B.Ag Sci.] Happily married, Lyn and I have successfully spawned -3 children! I have served 5 terms [6 years as Chairman]as an Eastern Region Fish & Game Councillor, attending every meeting and providing vigorous input. As an active helper I involve myself in kids fish out days, duck banding, duck brood counting and angler surveys. I have had a long input into the Kaituna Wildlife Management Reserve, planting, trapping, water reticulation and lobbying politicians. I am very concerned at the lack of mallard ducks and support the national mallard programme. We need to increase the mallard productivity of our wetlands in all regions and set sensible game season conditions. As a keen backcountry fly fisherman and lake fisherman I know our future fishing depends on water quality and 9
quantity. We must ensure future land and water use is sustainable. We need to use the Walking Access Commission to maintain access and prevent commercial capture of the resources. I believe the future of Fish & Game depends on getting kids off computers and actively involved in hunting and fishing. As an organic kiwifruit grower I have no conflict of interest as a Councillor. Eastern Fish & Game Council has quality staff that need a robust Council with good governance. I wish to be part of this Council and urge you to vote. 07 573 7642 / 027 710 5449 Scragg Steve Wairoa I am 55 years old and have fished and hunted my way from Wairoa and Waikaremoana to Gisborne, East Cape, Rotorua and Taupo. I ve spent 47 years freshwater angling; 37 years gamebird hunting. I am committed to representing anglers and hunters like myself, having served over 19 years as Fish & Game councillor - two as Chairman. I have no hidden agenda or financial interests in making money from our sport. I have served as weigh-master for competitions and been involved in young hunter education. A marine engineer, self-employed finance company and motor vehicle dealer manager provide me with a sound background. My skills, extensive knowledge of the Eastern region, and years of experience speak for themselves. I currently travel as a sales representative around the region weekly I stand again to continue pursuing a better deal for licence holders, the resource and the habitat. I d like to see Fish & Game restructured to better reflect the needs of licence holders, and to free up finance for the good of the resource and habitat. It s time to get away from the Council s focus on saving the resource by limiting licence holders opportunities to fish and hunt. We need to improve the habitat and resource to ensure our licence holders continue to have the opportunity to hunt and fish in the future. I want to ensure all families in the region now and for the future are able to enjoy the many years of great sport I have enjoyed. Storey Peter Rotorua Lakes Aged 62. Lifelong angler. Tarawera resident. Current Rotorua Lakes councillor. Like many others I am concerned about the decreasing size of trout in Lake Tarawera. I have made this plain in council over the past three years and intend to keep standing for 10
election until there s an obvious upturn. Helping with the Tarawera Selective Breeding Programme for the past five years, I know the problem is not there. Logically then, there s insufficient food to support the current stocking level. Since Tarawera is promoted to licence holders as one of the Big 3 trophy lakes, I firmly believe it should be managed to maximise trout growth rather than catch rate. My other main local interest as both angler and councillor are the Ngongotaha browns, a real asset to Rotorua anglers and juniors especially. With these fish now representing the main local trophy fishery I believe the season in the Ngongotaha above SH5 should be shortened, to protect their spawning. Sutton Terry Gisborne Standing for a third term as councillor. I feel that I still have something to contribute with the experience gained in the last six years. I also feel we have large problems in maintaining the quality of our sports and need qualified guardians for the next generation. Tamati Laurance Rotorua Lakes To be elected to Council, I believe candidates must have, as a minimum, a well rounded understanding and be actively involved in either recreational fishing or game bird hunting. I hold a current fishing licence and have fished the Rotorua lakes for over 40 years. As a consequence, I believe I have gained a solid appreciation and understanding of local conditions and an extensive knowledge of the area. Professionally I have over 30 years experience in strategic governance and corporate management. I have practical experience and knowledge of fisheries management and water quality issues through close involvement in the Lake Rotoiti Fisheries Monitoring Program, the Rotorua Lakes Restoration Program, the work of the Te Arawa Freshwater Fisheries Management Committee and as a past member and Chairman of the Bay of Plenty Conservation Board. I am currently leading a wetland restoration project to restore a 16 hectare wetland on the western banks of the Ohau Channel, between Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua. As President of the Ngati Pikiao Fishing Club I have been actively involved in the promotion of recreational fishing, and in particular junior angler development for over 15 years. I believe we need an organisation that is strategic in its approach and strong in its advocacy and I am motivated to bring my experience to the Eastern Fish & Game Council. I look forward to your support and vote. 11
Trego Jeanette Taupo Hi my name is Jeanette Trego. I m 47 years old with 3 grown children. Widowed while my children were very young I was determined that they learn to live off the land and become sustainable hunter gatherers which is quite difficult to achieve in this technological age. One out of three has followed my footsteps. The outdoors has always been my passion since a young child. Now as an adult, environmental management is my profession. I am grateful that part of my working life takes me to the outdoors, it s the best office in the world. I am currently working on stage 1 of the Te Matāpuna wetland project, southern eastern shores of Lake Taupo. Our objective is restoring, protecting and enhancing the wetland habitat for now and future generations. I have mainly hunted and fished in the Taupo, Ruapehu Districts and like many hunters, I am always concerned for the health and numbers of our fish and game species, as it does impact on the environmental, social and economic aspects of the community. The knowledge base of local hunters and fisherman is crucial. I may have hunted an area for years, but I am always learning something new. It is through them I am always learning. The current work I do is partially in line with NZ Fish & Game aspirations as it focuses on habitat. Whenever I have the opportunity to go camping, I love roughing it, all technology is turned off and life is bliss... Woolner David Whakatane I have had a career in medicine and in corporate directorship and governance. I have fished in Eastern waters for over 25 years. I regard Eastern waters as superb trout fishing, and am passionate about preserving access to, and quality of these resources. I am very concerned about ongoing dairy conversions and intensification near our waterways and want to help maintain monitoring and good governance of this. I am in favour of responsible and scientific bag limits and support well executed catch and release of fish. I support the new overseas licence initiative and favour increases in fees for overseas anglers. I am aware that perceived reductions in fish size are issues for some waters; I favour constructive and scientific debate about how this might be mitigated, perhaps through changes to fish size restrictions on taken fish. I am keen, at least in part, to represent the voice of urban anglers (like me) who travel many hours to fish in rural New Zealand. All our waters face serious challenges in coming years including water quality and ongoing angling pressure. We will need to be astute and skilled in handling the politics and the good governance of our resources. I hope my skill set might 12
enable me to contribute to these goals. My working style is to analyse issues carefully and as scientifically as possible; my long experience with scientific medical trials is helpful in this regard. My preferred style in committee is to work by consensus. 13
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