Politics, personalities and premieres! - 21/09/2005

He wore a pin striped suit, lightly shaded blue shirt and a brilliant gold tie. He looked just as you see him on TV – silver shadings through dark hair, a broad grin, smiling eyes and a definite twinkle in his step and his conversation.

I first remember seeing Tim Shadbolt on a soapbox (literally) in central Auckland's Albert Park in 1971. It was my first year of university, straight off the farm, and the antics of a city-slicker, protester on a soapbox kept me enthralled.

This week's meeting with Invercargill's Mayor Tim was to find out more about the process of managing our world premiere of The River Queen, as on October 12 Invercargill premieres 'The World's Fastest Indian' with Anthony Hopkins as the star. Mayor Tim and Events Manager, Lynne, were able to share many a pearl of wisdom with Philip Shackleton (WDC Economic Development Manager), Richard and myself. It was a very worthwhile meeting and we enjoyed Mayor Tim's wonderful stories.

Taking a few days off to visit the South Island was a great experience. I attended a five-day residential training course in Christchurch where almost all of the attendees had close relationships with Wanganui. I visited one of Ryman Healthcare's retirement villas in Christchurch – one very similar to what is being built on the former Sacred Heart site. What a delightful experience. Wanganui is fortunate to have attracted Rymans here.

Leaving Dunedin was somewhat of a mission. Snow had fallen on the hills of Dunedin but worse, Christchurch was blanketed in snow. Our flight home was held up by snow and ice which had to be scraped off the wings of our plane. While I tried to enjoy the magnificent snowfalling scenery, I was very much aware that I was going to miss the full Council meeting on Monday evening. Such are the vagaries of travel.

We watched the elections in Dunedin. We had spent a night at Stewart Island and would have spent a further night there watching the elections, but Stewart Island does not get TV3. Knowing Mayor Michael was featuring on TV3, I thought it in my best interests to find a city in which I could watch TV3 and of course our politically adept Mayor. So Dunedin it was!

Congratulations to all three of Whanganui's politicians – Jill, Chester and Tariana. We are a famous centre now – such personalities – one can hardly say we are a quiet, 'unheard-of' place today.

I look forward to the political year as it unfolds. I hope our special votes from Stewart Island get here too!

Keep warm.