"Tararua's No 8-wire attitude is invigorating and refreshing and to have worked in the council's business network, linking and facilitating to help others achieve has been special."
Dannevirke and the Tararua have lived up to all the Simpkins' expectations.
"It's precious and I think people underestimate this district. It's country New Zealand at its best, with raw, untouched coastlines, amazing spots such as Ferry Reserve and Waihi Falls," Mrs Simpkin said.
"Where else in the world can you go camp at a beach and not have to share it with anyone? At Herbertville you can pitch your tent, chuck in your rod and catch a fish, there aren't a lot of places like that left in New Zealand."
For former Tararua District mayor Roly Ellis, there was only one person who fitted the bill to head his new economic development unit and that was Lianne.
"At the interviews she stood out as the exceptional candidate," he said.
"Lianne has plenty of get up and go. She set out to handle the economic development of Tararua with a very limited budget and that mattered. She certainly had to perform and make it work to get councillors to invest and I've no doubt she's helped put Tararua on the map in a big way. She's been exceptionally good in getting Tararua well known nationally and she's worked very hard, something I don't think people realise."
Mr Ellis said it will be hard for council to bring on an exceptional person who will take over the role to keep the momentum going. Mrs Simpkin acknowledged economic development in our district has meant having the foresight to recognise our assets and develop and build them.
And while other regions haven't been so welcoming, led by her determination, the Tararua District Council has a welcoming motorhome policy.
"They're coming in growing numbers," she said. "These travellers love Tararua. They see us as the real drivers and innovators and their daily spend here is tremendous."
The town upgrades in Dannevirke, Woodville and Eketahuna, with Pahiatua's in the planning stages have made our region, Mrs Simpkin believes.
"If infrastructure is smart, you will attract people. Visitors are looking to get off the beaten track and it's here."
Led by Mrs Simpkin the council has taken the bold move to promote our district at field days and the Auckland Home Show.
"We know it's working, our efforts and energy to go to these events is paying off," she said.
With a vision for our district, working with Mr Ellis was exceptional, she said.
"We are fortunate to have council chief executive Blair King who has the foresight to see the vision. Both Roly and Blair made a huge difference, but it's been a whole team effort.
If you don't have a strong team you won't go anywhere and the team here have been exceptional, just stunning. I threw my heart into my job here, but it's been a collaborative effort with people in our community and region, including the volunteers, who have been the backbone of all this. Strength comes through association with collaborative partners - you can't run in splendid isolation."
Tararua has the quality of life people are searching for Mrs Simpkin said.
"To see the sun rise on the ranges at 6am is just stunning. It's that raw, natural beauty of our landscape which offers so many opportunities for visitors and residents."
Lianne leaves council on January 27, but she has been asked to put together the draft of the next economic development plan and will return to present that to council.
"The new person in my role will also put their own mark on it," she said.
"I've worked with local iwi and they're still interested in continuing those relationships too."