Time to give South Taranaki district a boost: New councillor

Revitalising the southern end of the South Taranaki district will be the focus of new Patea ward councillor Robert Northcott.

Mr Northcott won one of two seats in South Taranaki's Patea ward - the other went to fourth-term councillor Ian Wards. A Patea-based mechanic, Mr Northcott said he decided to stand for council to "give our town some representation".

His focus was making Patea more attractive for families and businesses to relocate to.

"All rural towns are looking for more population and businesses, and the Patea ward is no different." Mr Northcott owns his own business which he will continue to operate.

"I have to make a living, and it will give me a chance to talk to people about what's important to them."

The Patea ward covers the southern part of the South Taranaki district, and includes Patea, Waverley and Waitotara. The South Taranaki election was a big one, with 50 candidates standing compared to 37 in 2010.

Ross Dunlop was returned for his third term as South Taranaki mayor, beating former district council employee Henry Kerehoma and real estate agent Selwyn Metcalfe.

Mr Dunlop said he had some key projects he'd like to work on including reviewing the economic development strategy, particularly Hawera's urban renewal plan.

He also aims to forge good relationships with neighbouring councils.

"There are ways we can help each other, but we're quite definite that we don't want to amalgamate with other councils," he said.

Another pet project is working to extend the boundaries of the TSB Trust - which helps fund community groups - to include Patea and Waverley.

"At the moment, that area comes under Wanganui, but it makes more sense for it to be part of South Taranaki."