Mayor Steve Chadwick appeals for Christmas

Steve Chadwick is an avid supporter of the work done by the Salvation Army in the city. Photo/Ben Fraser.

It has been a hectic month for Steve Chadwick, Rotorua's first elected female mayor who is today named as the Rotorua Daily Post Person of the Month for October.

There has been a demanding schedule of meetings with councillors, council staff, politicians, unionists and business people among others.

But first things first - the mayoral office have been given a spruce-up.

Out went the net curtains, the desks and dated artwork to be replaced by local art, a large round table for open discussion, and a clear view of the Government Gardens and Rotorua Museum.

"This has the best office in the council building. I've just given it a woman's touch," Mrs Chadwick said.

"When people walk in, I want the art to tell Rotorua stories.

"I want it to 'ooze' Rotorua."

Mrs Chadwick is the Rotorua Daily Post Person of the Month for October for her landslide victory in the elections and being the first female mayor of our city.

With just over a month in the new job, Mrs Chadwick has been doing more than rearranging the office furniture.

She is enjoying being back working "at home".

"I'm absolutely loving it," she said.

"I love hard work and the council are working hard to make changes which will not just be cosmetic but will bring real change to the city."

There hasn't been time for a "honeymoon period" to settle into the new job. The Tachikawa Mill closure put paid to that.

There has been meetings with MPs Todd McClay and Te Ururoa Flavell, as well as councillors and staff to prepare where Rotorua wants to go in the future.

A new mayor, council and chief executive presented "a golden opportunity to do things differently," Mrs Chadwick said.

Enthusiasm in the town would work to turn the community around, she said.

The new mayor this week fronted the Rotorua District Council's collection of donations towards the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal for the Salvation Army's foodbank. Mrs Chadwick will be encouraging staff to give to the appeal.

"The Salvation Army do a remarkable job in Rotorua. They need all the help because the foodbank always empties out around Christmas time."

Donations to The Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal for the Salvation Army foodbank can be made at our Hinemoa St office between 8am and 5pm weekdays.

People can donate money or non-perishable food. Food donations can also be made at the Salvation Army's Community Ministries at Community House on Haupapa St.

If your school, church, business, organisation or you as an individual are organising a can drive or fundraising event, let us know by contacting reporter Mike Watson, phone (07) 348 6199 ext 57049, or email mike.watson@dailypost.co.nz.