“This term has certainly seen some unprecedented changes but every challenge was another opportunity to strive to understand different viewpoints and work for the best outcomes for our region.”
Cr Faulkner felt the latest group around the table had been particularly successful at working together.
“It would be very easy for a bunch of alpha personalities — those who are comfortable enough to stand for the popularity contest that is the election process — to be fractured and divided.
“But we have been very capably led by Mayor Rehette Stoltz and our deputy Josh Wharehinga.”
Being a councillor of a unitary authority that covered city and regional council functions was not for the faint-hearted, she said.
“It is long hours, can bring conflicting interests and calls for making difficult decisions, but it is also inspiring and deeply rewarding.
“The biggest thing to remember is that you are there to work on behalf of everyone in Tairāwhiti, not just those who ‘put you there' or make the most noise.”
Mrs Faulkner said she had particularly enjoyed working with the Civil Defence and Emergency Management team.
“It feels like the Tairāwhiti region has become the poster child for adverse events, but as a rural ward councillor I am confident, after many hours of planning meetings, that we are now much more confident at responding in a way that is inclusive and effective.
“That's irrespective of where you live — be it in the city, a rural township or on a farm at the end of a country road.”
As rewarding and satisfying as the job had been, Mrs Faulkner said now was the time for change for her.
“Councils are currently faced with what I consider to be an unworkable amount of reform being foisted upon them by central government departments.
“Most of the time the Government has simply not thought through the implications of this avalanche,” she said.
“I am deeply committed to our rural communities and enabling farmers to be heard is key to that.
“I don't feel able to speak out about some of the completely unworkable reform coming out of central government right now. Local government is a creature of statute and to be too outspoken is to bite the hand that feeds you.”
The outgoing councillor wants to be free to fight for New Zealand's food and fibre producers.
“They are without question the most efficient and innovative farmers in the world.
“They work through any weather, pandemics, global unrest and financial market upheaval, but right now their confidence is being hit at every level.
“I believe that most Kiwis support our primary industries, with the rural/urban disconnect a mischief being spouted by those seeking cheap political points.
“I look forward to working with agricultural leaders, regulators and strategists. Together we serve the families and businesses on the land.”
