‘Keen’ hunter, fisherman stands for WRC

The president of a sports fishing club is hoping to take his governance to the next level following next month’s local body elections.
Tairua-based Warren Maher is standing for the Thames-Coromandel representative on the Waikato Regional Council.
He told The Profile he would bring the right attitude to strengthen relationships with Thames-Coromandel District Council, iwi, and community.
“These relationships are strained at the moment and are constraining a number of projects around the peninsula. I will work hard to support the huge potential for economic growth in aquaculture and rebuild our tourism income opportunities both on land and sea,” he said.
Growing up in Taupō, Warren said his backyard was his playground.
“From the bush to the lake was where mates and I would spend as much of our time as possible.”
Since moving to Tairua, he said he enjoyed the same kind of lifestyle, such as fishing, diving, and hunting, with golf recently becoming an outlet as well.
“I have lived in Tairua for 28 years and run an electrical contracting business operating throughout the peninsula. I am currently in my ninth year as president of the Tairua Pauanui Sports Fishing Club and vice president on the board of the NZ Sports Fishing Council; also chairing their Youth Fishing Committee.
“With my governance experience and knowledge gained from 30 years fishing and diving on both sides of the peninsula, I have a lot of local knowledge and common sense to offer the ongoing Waikato Regional Council Coastal Plan process, as well as their policies around harbour use and access, navigation and safety, river and flood management and Aquaculture,” he said.
“Continued access is critical to our coastal and marine environment for those who derive social, cultural and personal wellbeing from being able to gather seafood from the intertidal zone, fishing from the shore, in local waters or around our many islands, and for our future generations.”
As one of the founders of the Hikuai Hoghunters Club and a “keen hunter”, Warren said pest control was another important aspect of his campaign.
“Community input is critical; community based solutions have more potential for success due to local support and monitoring,” he said.
“Councils and communities must have a strong working relationship with a good level of trust and a great deal of communication. I feel this is something which can be improved on.”
Warren said he had enjoyed the Meet the Candidates events held across the district so far. “I congratulate those who have worked hard to put these events together.”
DETAILS: Voting packs for local body elections are now arriving in the mail. Voting closes at midday on October 8.