In 2010, when the district was made up of five wards, he felt Maketū was the poor cousin.
"I really wanted to have our board spoken about at Council and being given the opportunity to be an equal among the whole lot - that refers to the funding, the infrastructure, the utilities - and in a way, I think we are [spoken about] now. We have a good voice at the table and we are seeing a lot of things coming our way. There have been a lot of improvements, so in that respect I'm happy."
Although planning began before his time on the community board, one of the major milestones was the opening of a $15 million-plus wastewater treatment plant serving Maketū and Little Waihī in 2012.
"That was already on the go, but it was coming up to the people of Maketū for consultation and I was a big part of that - the structure and how the council was selling the project to the people of Maketū, getting their buy-in and the feel of it."
Like many recent projects, it's not necessarily something that is seen.
"People flush the toilet and it disappears, but there was a lot going on behind the scenes and I think it created a good rapport between a lot of groups and organisations."
Shane says he has been part of some significant developments.
"I've been lucky to be involved in quite a few projects - a new playground at the village green, the Anzac Rock, and being able to help out organisations like Rotary with the installation of [waterfront] exercise equipment. We've seen a lot more footpaths come into Maketū, and the cycleway is also a big bonus. There's a lot of other stuff in the future coming in as well - more footpaths, a possible community hub, things like that."
He says the cultural history of Maketū is a positive for the area, but is also something that "can be challenging."
"With up to five different iwi, obviously you've got to communicate with them all and hopefully come up with a good resolution to move forward - that comes with its challenges, but I think if a project is worthy of it, then it will go through."
The district's attractiveness to visitors and the increase in the number of permanent residents are likely to present challenges for future boards.
"It's got one of the best kai moana facilities in the area - everyone wants to come and be part of that - it's got great beaches, fishing diving, swimming, surfing. It's about educating people. Yes, come and enjoy the place, but leave your footprints behind and take everything else with you."
If there are any frustrations around his time on the board, he says they come from the time it can take things to happen.
"We are still looking at projects that we looked at in 2011 that are still in the concept phase, and a project that may have cost, say, $50,000 in its day, it's probably five times that amount now. That's a frustrating thing - time and the increasing prices."
Shane says he feels now is the time to make way for someone else to take over the reins.
"I feel the board is in a good way. Maketū has a nice nest-egg in the reserve account tucked away."
He says anyone thinking about standing shouldn't be shy.
"If you think you've to something to contribute to the board or to the community, by all means put your name forward. Don't think that you have to have been born or lived many years in Maketū - I think as long as you call Maketū home and you are passionate about the community, and if you are keen, put your name forward."
Shane is secretary/treasurer of the Maketū Volunteer Fire Brigade and president of Maketū Coastguard - roles he will retain - and owns Maketū Beachside Cafe and Restaurant and Maketū Beach Holiday Park.
"I was born in Maketū and raised here, so I can't see myself going anywhere."
