Fallen keen to energise and rejuvenate council

MAN OF MANY TALENTS: Ross Fallen plans to stand for the Whanganui District Council.PHOTO/ BEVAN CONLEY

He's lived in Whanganui for only two years, but Ross Fallen already has his fingers in many pies.

Now he has one very special pie in his sights: a seat around the Whanganui District Council table.

This businessman and arts enthusiast, who runs an arts collective, works in hospitality and as a special needs teacher, has just announced he intends to run for council in the local government elections later this year.

Mr Fallen, who returned to Whanganui from Western Australia two years ago, is also a member of Rotary, is a community advocate for Aramoho, is on the boards of Neighbourhood Support and Artists Open Studios Whanganui, and is a former president of the Wanganui Ratepayers' Association.

It was his involvement with the Ratepayers' Association that prompted him to stand for a council seat.

"I was proud of the work I did with the Ratepayers' Association because I had lots of excellent meetings with councillors and the mayor.

"I have a lot of energy, but I only take on things that I am passionate about," Mr Fallen said.

If he's elected, he intends to be a councillor full-time - and he's adamant he has no interest in being the mayor.

Mr Fallen believes the council has a poor reputation among ratepayers and needs rejuvenation.

"The council is tired. It's not a focused, energised team that the public overall can have confidence in. We need a renewal, without forgetting those who have served [on council] well amidst all the mud-slinging.

"The conduct of about a quarter of our current councillors has led to a public lack of confidence."

Mr Fallen plans to announce in August the key issues that he will be standing for.