2023 KRRA Committee Nominations
The following nominations (in alphabetical order) have been received for positions on the 2023 KRRA Committee:
Alastair Brickell (current Committee Member)
Nominated by Kevin Crawford, seconded by Bill Muir
Harriette and I have lived in Kuaotunu for almost 40 years and now run Stargazers B&B and Astronomy Tours.
Over that time I have been involved in several community groups including the Fire Brigade (over 35 years), Rings Beach Wetland Group, Kuaotunu Hall Committee, MB Area School Board of Trustees, Kuaotunu Domain Board and also on the MB Historical Society committee for over 20 years. Time permitting I also help out with Kauri 2000 planting and volunteer at the Coromandel I-Site.
Having been a KRRA committee member at various times over the last 30 years I am standing again as I feel it is an organisation that deserves input from a dedicated group of locals with a diverse range of ages, backgrounds and interests.
Only then can we ensure that Kuaotunu develops the way we want it to; rather than the way our local or regional councils think it should.
Kevin Crawford (current Secretary)
Nominated by Alastair Brickell, seconded by Steve McKenzie
My wife Jenny and I have had a property in Kuaotunu West since 1983, built our house in 2005 and made the permanent move in mid 2020.
My background is in Engineering Consultancy with some 45 years in delivery of infrastructure projects here and overseas with the last 20 years in New Zealand on road and rail projects for local authority and government agencies.
It is this experience that can advocate for the Kuaotunu community through KRRA with TCDC and Waka Kotahi on key issues such as a fairer share of investment into local & SH25 roading and road safety, walking and cycling and community infrastructure.
In the past year I’ve been pleased to have played a part with a proactive Committee that amongst other aspects has achieved a Community Board September 22 resolution to advance a Business Case into a new suspension bridge at the Rockfall site aimed at restoring connectivity for walkers and cyclists from Kuaotunu to Matarangi and progressed discussions with TCDC on the brief and community input. We have also developed a multipurpose overlay proposal for refurbishment of the Domain tennis court area and agreement with the Domain Board to co-fund the scope with the Community Board grant and submitted it to TCDC.
I am passionate about this vibrant community we are fortunate to call home and proactively contributing to achieving its future vision.
Kim Crosland
Nominated by Alastair Brickell, seconded by Kevin Crawford
Nige and I emigrated from England in 2002 with our son and daughter and lived on the North Shore in Auckland for 18 years prior to moving to the Coromandel. We bought a bach in beautiful Kūaotunu in 2019, then following the first COVID lockdown Nige retired from his 40 years in construction and we moved permanently to Kūaotunu 3 years ago and never looked back.
For the past 32 years I have been working in the tertiary education sector and am very fortunate to be able to continue in a consultancy capacity working from home by the beach.
We are both involved in local community groups, Nige as secretary for Dune Care and I’m secretary for the Kūaotunu Hall Committee. We both see huge value in being involved with the local community getting to know, and understand, more and more about how this wonderful community ticks and how we can contribute to the up keep and improvements for all to enjoy.
Marguerite Muellers
Nominated by Sue Greig, seconded by Colin Reid
I have lived in Kuaotunu for more than 30 years working part time as an Educational Psychologist with contracts from ACC and the Family Court. I am a committee member of the Kuaotunu Library and Grey Power Inc.
Having been a KRRA committee member in the early 90's I am standing again because the KRRA must have contributions and input from a wide range of people with good knowledge of the community we are living in. To keep the natural beauty of Kuaotunu and to help protect our natural resources is in my nature. I am a strong advocate for human rights and 'common sense'.
Brent Page (current Chair)
Nominated by Lise Hermansen, seconded by Ursula Gaebler
Lise and I have owned property in Kuaotunu since 1988 and been permanent residents since 2000. My career experience was in the IT industry over 30 years, 25 of which was as CEO/Shareholder of Connect NZ. CNZ was NZ’s largest, privately owned ICT company, with 185 employees and offices in Akl, Ham, Wgtn & CHCH.
During the period 2010-2014, I chaired Destination Coromandel and from 2012 to 2016, I chaired TCDC’s Economic Development Committee. After being elected in April 2018, I have been a member of the current committee.
Lise and I continually remind ourselves how blessed we are to be able to live in Kuaotunu Village and are keen to ensure that our natural environment is preserved and enhanced and that the wonderful, creative and unique individuals that make up our Community all have a voice in our future together.
Carrie Parker (current Committee Member)
Nominated by Kathy Speirs, seconded by Wayne Mullins
I moved back to New Zealand as a permanent resident in 2006, having chosen Kuaotunu as my home. My career was IT and Project Management, and on retiring I decided to get involved in community activities that would combine my work skills and my love of the environment we live in. Charlie and I were welcomed into this wonderfully supportive community and made many new friends.
I was a member of the KRRA committee for 6 years, 3 years of which I was Chairperson. I have been an active member of the Rings Beach Wetland group for over 8 years and am the Chair of this group as well as the coordinator of the trapping teams. I am Chair of the Kuaotunu Hall Committee and I am very proud of all the committee has achieved – both before and since my appointment. Volunteering with these groups is very rewarding and I am ready to contribute again as best I can as part of KRRA.
Bella Pierce
Nominated by Steve McKenzie, seconded by Kathy Speirs
Although I am a born and bred Aucklander who has been visiting the Coromandel region since my younger days, I made the decision to move full-time to Kuaotunu in July 2021 and currently operate a local housekeeping business, providing private residential and commercial services across the peninsula.
Since relocating, I have experienced a strong sense of community spirit and very much look forward to being part of the KRRA's efforts to drive positive change and amplify the voices of local residents. I am committed to safeguarding the well-being of the community and excited to contribute to its future success.
Kathy Speirs (current Treasurer)
Nominated by Janet Clark, seconded by Jo Mullins
My professional background is in IT, business development and financial management. My interests are varied but include flower gardening, travel, and conservation.
I am currently the Secretary/Treasurer of the Hall Committee, the Treasurer of KRRA, and the Treasurer of the Rings Beach Wetland Group. I enjoy being able to leverage my background in technology to improve the administration of these groups so that they can be more successful at what they do.
I am passionate about communicating as widely as possible with the members of our community, as I believe that the more our community is involved, informed and consulted, the better chance KRRA has of understanding and representing their views and aspirations.
Roimata Taimana (current Committee Member)
Nominated by Carolyn Wadey-Barron, seconded by Isabel Gilbert-Palmer
Ko Moehau tōku maunga,
Ko Pungapunga tōku awa,
Ko Whangapoua tōku moana,
Ko Ngati Huarere ko rawa Ngapuhi tōku iwi,
Ko Mangakahia tōku whanau,
Ko Roimata Taimana tōku ingoa.
My name is Roimata, I am whangai to the Mangakahia whanau of Whangapoua. I have been a part of this community since the early 80's and call Hauraki Coromandel my home.
I am employed by Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki as a Mataora/Change Agent, working with whanau in distress and rangatahi/youth at Mercury Bay Area School and Kapanga/Coromandel Kura.
I am a committee member of KRRA, Creative Coromandel and LSAR IAG (Land Search and Rescue, Inclusivity Advisory Group) national team. I am also a volunteer for KSAR (Kuaotunu Search and Rescue) and Whangapoua Fire Brigade.
I am passionate about Music and the Arts. My wife and I also hold a music evening (Music in the Valley) and I often host Open Mic Nights in Kuaotunu and Whitianga. I have recorded music with Mr Brent Page, Kuaotunu, Earwig Studios, Auckland to name a few. I am also a member of the 10 Artists, Kuaotunu and was a member of The Art Escape for the past five years.
Communication in community is so very important, so I strive to make a difference how ever and where ever I can. I also believe that if you look after the whenua, the whenua will look after you.