'There's no such thing as can't in my book'

Kay McKenzie of Weber is standing for the Tararua mayoralty and the district council.

Kay McKenzie says she will bring a fresh, new approach to local body government and is standing for the Tararua mayoralty and district council in a bid to make a difference in our community.

The eldest of four children, Mrs McKenzie said they had all made their way, the hard way.

"I'm very driven and ambitious and I know all about pressure and juggling a hectic lifestyle," she said. "I'm optimistic and a big thinker and there's no such thing as can't in my book. I'm always doing 20 things at once and I'm keen to get out and talk to people across Tararua. Yes, I'm outspoken, but I'm not afraid to tackle the hard stuff and I never give up on anything I believe is important."

Mrs McKenzie has three children and farms near Weber, after shifting to Dannevirke 15 months ago from Gisborne, attracted by the affordable farming and great central schooling Tararua has to offer. A former social worker with Child, Youth and Family, with a BA majoring in social policy, at one stage Mrs McKenzie was studying two extramural papers, holding down four part-time jobs and undertaking a full-time computer course.

"I'm very driven," she said.

"I have experience in sales and volunteer work and am passionate about road safety issues. In 2014 I initiated a rates remission for some farmers in my area with the Gisborne District Council and I'm the campaigner behind the cellphone petition to have a tower erected on top of Oporae Range, giving the majority of those living and travelling through our rural area out to the coast and Porangahau coverage. This will allow businesses to grow and tourism to flourish in our beautiful rural communities."

Mrs McKenzie said she was determined to see the wider Tararua area grow and thrive.

"Dannevirke needs to give people a reason to come and shop and we need to build our identity," she said. "Woodville is more exciting and there are huge opportunities here but we need the right people on board.

"Tararua has so much to offer, we live in a beautiful part of the world.

"I've fought for equality all my life and I excel at planning and strategising. My concerns for our region include roading and health issues, so I want to drive forward our wonderful district."