Taupō elects a new Mayor
Mayor elect John Funnell prepares for his “first day at school” early on Monday morning at the Suncourt Hotel. Photo: Dan Hutchinson
Taupō’s new mayor says he’s “just a bloody old pilot” and there’s “nothing brilliant about me”.
It’s early on Monday morning and he’s sitting in Lionel’s Bistro and Bar at Suncourt Hotel which he owns with partner Chrissy.
He’s changed out of the old clothes he wore to feed the cows on his small farm at Bonshaw Park even earlier in the morning.
“I told Chrissy that Dan wants to take a photo of me, so she made me change my clothes, and polish up, you know. And make sure you don't say dumb ass things."
He’s about to head into the Taupō District Council administration building for his first day, which includes media training later in the day, something he likens to his first day at school.
The 74-year-old already has a fair bit of exposure to the media, as arguably New Zealand’s most well-known helicopter rescue pilot and one of the founders of modern day rescue helicopter services in New Zealand.
That started decades ago when the venison industry was booming and the live capture of deer using helicopters was a big thing.
“I had the only helicopter where you could put a patient on a stretcher inside, so we got into that.
“I saw first hand … the difference you could make if you got the injured party to a hospital quickly.”
Initially it was Taupō where he was based and well-known Police officers like Barry Shepherd and (re-elected councillor) Kevin Taylor, paramedics and others were heavily involved.
He went on to help set up helicopter services across the country and set up Phillips Search and Rescue which has subsequently been sold.
That includes most of the rescue helicopter services south of Auckland, including the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter service.
He has owned about half a dozen businesses and specialises in turning struggling operations into successful ones.
His two sons – both pilots - and former wife Trish now own the aviation assets, including Taupō Tandem Skydive.
He will bring the same philosophy to the council that was handed down to him from his father – “look after the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves”.
He admits he doesn’t know much about the business of council but will try and get everyone to work together to make things happen.
THE VOTE
With most votes counted, Funnell received 5386 votes, Zane Cozens 4,062, David Trewavas 2,879, and Kevin Taylor 2,711.
Voters decided against having Māori Ward seats in the next election although there are two new candidates in Te Papamārearea Māori Ward for this term with Wahine Murch on 1096 votes and Ngāhuia Foreman on 827, just ahead of incumbent Danny Loughlin on 820, with special votes still to be counted.
Funnell laid the credit for the successful campaign on a strong team – a campaign team that has tasted success before with former Mayor Rick Cooper.
“I guess the next step will be building the team of councillors and getting together and trying to align our thoughts and see where to go to from here.
“I guess the margin that I've got gives me a mandate to some extent, but of course I can't do anything on my own. I'm fully aware that to make any changes, I have to get a number of councillors that think likewise to me.”
He campaigned on transparency when it came to rates and would call on his business experience.
“I've heard a lot of reasons why they can't reduce (costs). It is something that I've got some expertise in.
“A number of the companies that I've taken over have generally been in need of restructure and rebuilding. And they've turned out to be very successful as a result of it. But, of course, I had a team of people that went with me. There's nothing I did on my own.
“And even the rescue helicopter (service) you know, was one of those ... I just happen to be the person that the media contacted, and I told the story, but, in fact, there's a huge team of people behind me.”
Trewavas posted his congratulations on his Facebook page.
“The results are in and unfortunately not to be this time.
“Congratulations to John Funnell and I wish all the new and existing councillors all the best.
“It’s been an absolute privilege and honour to serve for the last 12 years.
To the amazing staff at the Taupō District Council especially (executive assistant) Cornelia Bruckner and successive CEOs.”
“I like to think I’ve left the Taupo District in a better place.”
If re-elected as mayor, Trewavas would have equalled the five terms served by Joan Williamson (her first being the final term of the Taupō Borough Council before local body amalgamation in 1988/89.)
Cozens congratulated Funnell on a well-run race.
“John is a great guy and I wish him all the best.
“I just hope they (the community) get behind John and the new council for a bright future. I just want everyone to be in this together.”
Preliminary results updated Monday 9am
Mayoralty
FUNNELL, John (Independent) 5,386
—————————————————————
COZENS, Zane (Independent) 4,062
TREWAVAS, David James 2,879
TAYLOR, Kevin (Independent) 2,711
INFORMAL 6
BLANK VOTING PAPERS 151
Mangakino-Pouakani Ward (1 vacancy)
WOODWARD, Hope (Let's Go Taupō) 310
—————————————————————————-
JOHNSON, Marlene 307
INFORMAL 0
BLANK VOTING PAPERS 30
Taupō Ward (7 vacancies)
RANKIN, Christine 5,331
TAYLOR, Kevin (Independent) 5,175
SHEPHERD, Rachel 4,997
WESTERMAN, Yvonne (Independent) 4,818
CAMPBELL, Duncan 4,699
DE LAUTOUR, Nicola 4,690
DELANY, Barry Owen 4,128
—————————————————————-
MANUNUI, Steve 4,110
YEOMAN, Julie 3,945
WALKER, Belinda (Independent) 3,753
TWEEDIE, Ann (Let's Go Taupo) 2,920
PUNTER, Steve (Independent) 2,704
CLARKE, Bill 2,553
CADE, Richard 1,751
FREEMAN, David 1,319
WYNYARD, Mark 707
WILSON, Katrin (Independent) 411
INFORMAL 27
BLANK VOTING PAPERS 128
Tūrangi-Tongariro Ward (1 vacancy)
GREENSLADE, Sandra 917
—————————————————
RAFFERTY (RAFF), Alan 478
LIVINGSTONE, David 142
INFORMAL 6
BLANK VOTING PAPERS 35
Taupō East Rural Ward (1 vacancy)
LEONARD, Kylie (Independent) 494
STAFFORD, Rebecca (Let's Go Taupō) 312
INFORMAL 0
BLANK VOTING PAPERS 55
Te Papamārearea Māori Ward (2 vacancies)
MURCH, Wahine 1,096
FOREMAN (NEE ASHER), Ngāhuia (Toitū Te Tiriti) 827
LOUGHLIN, Danny Aperahama 820
INFORMAL 0
BLANK VOTING PAPERS 33
Māori Ward Poll - Taupō DC
I VOTE TO REMOVE THE MĀORI WARD 8,700
I VOTE TO KEEP THE MĀORI WARD 5,774
INFORMAL 2
BLANK VOTING PAPERS 719
The voter return was 53.75%, being 15,195 votes, excluding special votes.