New face for new role at Sth Taranaki council

South Taranaki's new policy and governance manager Coral Hair.

The same woman who hired Coral Hair at Whakatane District Council almost 20 years ago has lured her to South Taranaki.

Ms Hair took up the newly-created role of policy and governance manager at the South Taranaki District Council last month.

She is working at the Hawera offices under Phillippa Wilson, who hired her as administration officer at the Whakatane council 19 years ago and is now South Taranaki's corporate services group manager.

"I saw the job advertised and thought this was my dream job," Ms Hair said.

"I was initially attracted by the job and then I saw Phillippa would be my boss and that was a huge selling point for me."

The deciding factor came when she visited Hawera and was left feeling very impressed by the town.

"It had a really good feel ... the whole place. I really liked Hawera."

She described it as a family-focussed place, with the council establishing a library and exhibition centre. "It really is a happening place."

Having policy and governance sitting side by side was unusual but, for her, that was "really attractive" and she said she was looking forward to the challenge, both personally and professionally.