Why vote for Fiona for Mayor?
I can do the job of Mayor because I'm a qualified and experienced Manager, a qualified office administrator and secretary - real estate, insurance assessing, catering equipment supplies, cement manufacturing (Wilson's Portland Cenent since renamed Golden Bay Cement) sectors, sole business owner for five years in Whangarei - Hospitality industry - operations manager, production manager, Purchasing Officer, menu designer, publicity and promotions, staff recruitment and selection in a high security area, staff training, cleaning, baking, cooking, coffee making, guest speaker for those seeking work in the hospitality industry.
Claims Clerk - clerical and customer services duties - Accident Compensation Corporation, and Dept of Social Welfare (since renamed WINZ)
Horticultural worker - kumara and orchid work
Cleaner
I've been elected on to various performing arts committees in and around Whangarei in the 80s and 90s - Whangarei Repertory Society, Whangarei Amateur and Dramatic Society, Onerahi Anateur Theatre - set design assistance, waitresses, cleaning, teaching junior theatre, prompt, publicity and promotions.
On the subject of Governance I have proven a number of times that I am not afraid to ask questions about financials, why a particular decision was made when a safer preferred decision could have given a more favorable outcome. I don't let people talk me down - I wait until they finish - then continue
Creative - digital artist, creative problem solving. What's lacking in corporate environments is seeking alternative creative approaches to problem solving.
I have worked on school production and school wide kapa haka productions which have required me to work with staff, families, and encourage the community to come on board and help - networking for props, and wardrobe, keeping costing down, etc.
I don't have any conflict of interest with Whangarei District Council, have never applied for community funding from them, and have no business interests that they would even be interested in.
National Certificate in Business - Firstline Management Level 4
Bachelor of Education (Tchg) degree - Massey University
Secretarial Certificate
Accounting for Small Businesses
Certificate - Running my own Business
Introduction to the Hotel and Restaurant Industry
Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate
LCQ Certificate
Certificate of Participation - Espresso Basics
Certificate in Maori Art History (Senior)
Certificate in Maori and Pacific Islands Practical Arts
Sign Language - Level 1A
6th Form Certificate - Economics, English, Maori, Maths, Biology, Art
Theatre - Executive Committee Member with all theatrical groups in Whangarei as well as singer, dancer, actress, stage manager, production manager, director, musical director for a school production, media
Kapa Haka Teacher - Hurupaki School - with inclusive practices
Te Reo Teacher - Hurupaki School, Kamo High School
Musical Director - Whananaki School - Kids for Kids Concert - 1999
Director/Musical Director/Choreographer - School Production - Whananaki School - getting the community involved.
Leading Maori Language Week Awards entry for Hurupaki School (placed third), certificate of recognition (Pakotai)
Lead Facilitator Beach Clean-up nationwide competition - Pakotai School - 2007
School wide Kapa Haka and Te Reo Teacher
Guitarist- Otangarei Kapa Haka Group -
Founder Business Crisis Support NZ - supporting those impacted by significant trauma resulting from business loss
Disability Advocate - being bold and beautiful with disabilities including autism, neurodiversity, and so much more
Presenter at the first Australia and NZ Mental Health Assn’s Mental Health Conference - March 2020 in Christchurch - selected out of 100 plus applicants from NZ and overseas. Only person from Northland, and Whangarei to speak on a new business related topic - and to develop awareness of the impact of business loss on mental health.
Advocacy - Environmental Educationist,
Disability Educationist, Human Rights Educationist, Race Relations Educationist
Donating food and cooking lunches for students at Otangarei Primary School 2000.
Junior Theatre - Volunteer Drama Tutor - Whangarei Anateur and Dramatic Society (WAODS) - since renamed Whangarei Theatre Company. 90s.
Published author- failed 10 times - succeeded on the 11th try. (Resilience)
I am probably the most experienced Mayoral Candidate to navigate co-governance should we move in that direction - to bring about fair representation and wider engagement with Maori Communities throughout the District. Fairness being the key - that is what both Maori and Non Maori are telling me. My upbringing in maoritanga is very different from many. It started with knowing your place in the pecking order, and respecting elders. I know the old traditions live within me because I never forsake them. Herein lies part of the problem. Co-governance will require leadership from kuia and kaumatua - with scaffolded learning for all. Co-governance can be a blessing if managed well. He aha te mea nui o te ao? He Tangata, he Tangata, he tangata.
