Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

Long-standing regional councillor Ian Noble has indicated that he will not be standing again for the Western Bay constituency of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council in the upcoming local body elections.

I want to acknowledge the tremendous contribution he has made during the years and his depth of knowledge and understanding of the issues that the regional council grapples with. He will really be missed at the council table. We have shared many laughs and serious debates during the last six years as we have car-pooled to meetings together, worked on strategies, plans and policies with our colleagues and met with staff and constituents to discuss and resolve thorny issues.

Ian was a founding regional councillor back in 1989 when the Bay of Plenty's regional council was first established – and there isn't much he doesn't know. After all this time, he still works very hard and thinks deeply on regional council business. His institutional knowledge is legendary – he remembers reports produced decades ago and can explain the rationale and history behind past decisions. Yet he still comes up with new ways of thinking about things and innovative ideas for problem resolution. I have learned so much from Ian and I will really miss him.

However, I recognise that new faces, ideas and energy are as essential for governance entities as people with institutional knowledge and proven ability. I am encouraged by the quality of some of the candidates putting their hand up for the October local body elections. The regional council is sure to have at least three new faces around the table as a result of a new constituency seat in Tauranga, and both a Western Bay and Eastern Bay councillor standing down. I hope that all of you out there take the time to find out about the people standing for the various councils and what they stand for, and then vote. It's your democratic opportunity to influence your future and it won't come again for three years.

If you have any views on this or any other issue, please contact me on: neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579 5150. Or you can check out my website at: www.janenees.co.nz