CHB on track to greatness

Central Hawke's Bay District Council chief executive Monique Davidson.

New Central Hawke's Bay District Council chief executive Monique Davidson says she backs the controversial Ruataniwha Dam but only if the right provisions are met.
She talks to Mark Story.

What are the top three main differences between your former post at Horowhenua District Council and here?

Central Hawke's Bay is significantly larger in land base, but smaller in population base than the Horowhenua District. With that comes different challenges, but also different opportunities to drive excellence in the way we serve the community.
In my previous role I led a team almost double the size of my team at Central Hawke's Bay District Council. The limited availability of resources in a small local authority means we need to work a lot smarter to ensure we are delivering value to our customers - leaving me with the task to lead a team that is cutting edge, innovative and working with the community to find solutions that will take this district forward.

Are you in favour of the Ruataniwha Dam going ahead?

I have been appointed by a council that strongly support the Ruataniwha Storage Scheme.
I believe that the scheme provides a significant opportunity for the Central Hawke's Bay District and the wider Hawke's Bay region to ensure the ongoing supply of water, and to shape a more sustainable future for the entire region. It is crucial that future planning and decisions balance the social, environmental, economic and cultural opportunities and risks but that the long term vision of the sustainable supply of water to ensure the economic sustainability of communities remains the focus.

Some say if the dam is a no-go this will ring the death knell for Central Hawke's Bay. Do you agree?

The district is full of highly productive land, highly innovative and intelligent people and has a track record in successful economic outcomes. A positive future for the Ruataniwha Storage Scheme will amplify this and be a game changer for the future of the Hawke's Bay region's economy. To fully maximise this opportunity we need to further explore opportunities to diversify land use, develop value added products supported by strong environmental management practices. The district has a very bright future.

To you, what's the district's most hidden treasure?

My husband and I have relocated to Central Hawke's Bay with our two young children, and couldn't be happier. We think it is a great place to raise our children and we are really excited about becoming integral parts of the community. We have only been here for three weeks so I think if it really is hidden, I might need a little longer to find it. In saying that the district's strength are in its people - over the last few weeks I have met many individuals and groups of people who are committed and passionate about taking this district forward. The district is steeped in rich history, and under the leadership of the council is developing a very clear vision and road map that will allow Central Hawke's Bay to thrive. It is the people that live, work and do business here that will deliver on that vision.

As one of the country's youngest council CEOs, what are you goals for CHB in the next five years?

It is a privilege to be appointed chief executive and provide leadership to this community. I aspire for council to be a leading light in the local government sector. My goal is for the team I lead to deliver a service that reflects the aspirations of the community, adds value and is value for money. We need to be connected, collaborative and build a reputation where we do what we say we will do. We also need to be bold, ask and answer the hard questions, and most importantly provide a strong leadership platform that allows us to make great stuff happen.