LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS 2022
Gretchen Robertson
Otago Regional Council
Which communities will you speak for and about at the council table?
Otago Regional Councillors take an oath at their formal induction meeting. They promise to serve all the people of Otago. I'd be a Dunedin City Constituency Councillor with a keen interest in local and well as regional communities.
What is the number one social and economic issue for the community and for the city? (DCC question). What is the key issue for the region at this time and for the next 10 years? (ORC question)
The key role of Regional Councils is to be environmental custodians.
Our water, air, and soil quality has to be retained to support healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, climate resilience, and human wellbeing.
I’m a 7th generation Dunedin person with a background as an aquatic ecologist and community facilitator. I have a young family and strong community connections and pride in Otago’s environment.
Regional Councils need strong understanding of science to be effective and make a difference. This is an understanding of the current state of our environment and crucially an evidence-based understanding of the on-the-ground changes needed to gain measurable, positive environmental outcomes. Technical ability can't be in insolation from the skills of listening, working with others, thinking strategically and establishing trust for long term commitment. These are the unique skills I can bring to the table.
I believe ORC must focus on being the environmental custodians our ratepayers expect. I love working with people and understand science. My goal is for an ORC focus on action rather than distractions.
How will you elevate community aspirations? How will you know what they are? (DCC question only)
Under the Local Government Act 2002, councils are required to maintain and improve opportunities for Māori to contribute to local government decision-making processes. How will you honour this obligation in your role with the Dunedin City Council/Otago Regional Council?
I believe strongly in the benefits of a partnership approach.
I have worked closely with Iwi throughout my time with ORC. I've consistently chaired the ORC's Environment and Science Committee and Policy Committees both of which have Iwi governance representation.
I have built genuine, personal level relationships through many years of science, policy and community work in Partnership.
I am an open and transparent person who commits with action to building effective working relationships.
I am committed to meeting the responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and other statutory documents (such as the National Policy Statement for Freshwater 'Te Mana o the Wai' framework and role for Mana Whenua) and to partnership.
The enrichment to our Regional Council's environmental-custodian-role, that comes from kaitiaki values, is crucial.
What is your usual approach to achieving collegial and constructive relationships with the people you work with? What is the most important element of a constructive working relationship?
My usual approach is to work with people to a constructive agreed strategic goal/end point.
I believe that the crucial elements to achieving useful outcomes are:
1. Start from an even knowledge platform. Ie everyone has the facts, science, technical info available to them in an easy to understand format. A 'getting the facts straight' step.
2. Adequate time to ask questions and raise concerns.
3. Everyone's ideas are listened to and recorded.
4. Common values are identified.
5. Goals are identified.
6. Strategic outcomes are agreed on.
7. A work plan is drawn up, agreed, monitored and reported upon.
I have worked as a facilitator. I know how to get the best out of groups. I have leadership skills and experience as well as a team focus.
The key element to a constructive working relationship is the ability to respectfully engage and listen. To not be afraid to talk about all matters - nothing beats face-to-face conversation and a cup of tea/coffee. We all so often share common values, hold valuable ideas inside and want to get to positive outcomes.
The DCC's place-based community fund has been a game changer for community-led development and growing connected and resilient communities in Ōtepoti. What more will you do as a councillor to support community development in the city? (DCC candidate question only)
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
123-456-7890
