Proud to have served district

Ross Paterson, pictured with wife Robyn, has been made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Photo/Andrew Warner

Ross Paterson: Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit

Ross Paterson, who dedicated 21 years of his life to local government, has been made an Officer of the Order of New Zealand Merit.

But he has put his achievement down to efforts by his team, his family and wife Robyn, and a district that "punches about its weight".

"I find it quite a humbling experience. But I really accept this on behalf of the district because it is very much a team I've worked with, and I'm pleased to be able to look back on what has happened in the last 21 years.

"There has been so much change in our district that I've been pleased to be part of during that time and to lead it through that period."

He was elected to Western Bay of Plenty District Council in 1995 and since then has spent seven years as deputy mayor.

His 7 years as Western Bay mayor began in 2008 following the death of former Mayor Graeme Weld.

"I came in as a pretty inexperienced councillor, then within three years had these responsibilities."

It was then Mr Paterson realised there was the ability to make significant achievements for the district through local government.

"It's part of my life I have enjoyed, and it's given me a huge amount of satisfaction," he said.

"I went into local government to service our communities, to help them achieve their aspirations, and to develop their district infrastructure," he said.

He was involved with performance-based roading contracts in 2002 which were adopted nationally, and also took part in the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and SmartGrowth, which oversaw the development of the Tauranga Eastern Link highway.

"The path that I can remember is that I met a lot of capable people. There were mayors, and there was politicians, councillors, ratepayers, and staff and consultants. I came to respect their ability and their genuine integrity to actually deliver, actually try and make things better."

Mr Paterson said the positive nature of the Western Bay enabled his continual involvement and passion with local government.

"We do achieve, for an area the size of the Western Bay, some incredible things."

His advice for those entering a life in local government: "You need broad shoulders, you need to be able to communicate, talk, and listen to a lot of people and then take your responsibilities and make your decisions."

He kept the news of his New Year honour a secret for a few months, before telling his family on Christmas Day.

"I do acknowledge the support of my family and Robyn and what they've done and allowed me to lead that life I led for 21 years, especially the period of time I was mayor," he said.

"Robyn has supported me well. At times both children and the grandchildren have experienced a little bit of it, just to see what their grandfather does.

"I did find the demands, especially in the role as mayor, were 24/7, there were times that I wasn't able to be part of. But that's just the nature of the job, you accept that when you take on the role of either councillor or mayor."

With his days in local government behind him, he was looking forward to a relaxing summer.

"I'm still busy but it is a completely different way of life. I am standing back from local government, just watching what develops.

"At this stage I have no plans for the future, I want to enjoy the summer, I've always said I wouldn't be doing anything for two or three months."