Tararua mayor calls time

Maureen Reynolds has often said when she's not mayor of Tararua, she'd get a job at the New World supermarket checkout.
But although the mayor of 12 years has decided not to stand for re-election in October, there won't be time in her busy life for time behind the supermarket checkout.
"I've always been a people person and now I've decided not to stand for re-election in October, I realise it'll be the people contact I'll miss the most," Mrs Reynolds said.
After four terms as Tararua District mayor and a total of 18 years in public office serving our community, Mrs Reynolds is looking for new challenges and a chance to spend more time with family and friends.
"I've enjoyed the role immensely and will miss many aspects of it, but now is the right time to make the decision to move on," she said.
"I'm going to miss the people though. There are some wonderful people in our district, but I do realise my mayoralty wasn't forever and even though it's going to be hard to make the break, I'm ready to do so now.
"I've made the effort to be available almost 24/7 for people in Tararua and you're always mayor, even on holiday and at the weekends."
But don't expect to find Mrs Reynolds sitting in a rocking chair on her porch in retirement.
"I've got fingers in a few pies at the moment and one eventuated last week, so now I'm probably looking forward to the local authority elections in October, knowing I'll have plenty to occupy me, including getting my CV together," she said.
"I would like to have some interest in representing our district in some way and there is something I'm considering at the moment."
As a marriage celebrant and a keen gardener, Mrs Reynolds said she'll have time to devote to those interests, as well as family and grandchildren.
After 12 years as mayor and six years on the Dannevirke Community Board, Mrs Reynolds said she's seen 18 years of dramatic change in local government.
"When I came in as mayor in 1998, the council was in a bit of an uproar, but I've been extremely lucky with the councillors I've had. In fact, I've only had to use my casting vote three times in 12 years and while we don't always agree, when we leave the council chamber and have a cup of tea, we leave any differences behind.
"All my councillors have worked very hard and we've achieved so much because of our unity and I feel the Tararua District is more united than ever before.
"Admittedly, being the first female mayor in our district was a big challenge, but I'm quite satisfied that while I live in Dannevirke, I've made an effort to be available to all our district.
"The workload of mayor is much greater now than when I was first elected. Part of that has been my own doing. I've advocated and lobbied for the entire district for 12 years and yes, there are things I haven't been able to achieve."
For 12 years, all her reading material has been local government documents, so Mrs Reynolds will be joining the local library.
"I'll have time to read for leisure and I've picked up my spinning wheel again and have joined the local spinning group. I'm thoroughly enjoying it."
 Disappointments during her term include the battle for funding for an upgrade to the Pahiatua Track and the lack of a Government subsidy for Dannevirke's $4 million sewerage scheme.