Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Council “gentleman” retiring after 50 years service
News Release
Friday 25 March
2011
Council “gentleman” retiring after 50 years service to community
ROTORUA 25.03.11: He is regarded by his colleagues as “one of nature’s true gentlemen” and today [25 March] after 50 years of continuous service to the Rotorua community, Andy Whare will be farewelled by Rotorua District Council (RDC).
Castlecorp foreman Andy Whare retires as one of the council’s longest serving employees having begun his working life in 1961 as a 15-year-old labourer for the former Rotorua County Council. His first day on the job in March 1961 involved cleaning out a culvert at Awahou by hand, and his leadership skills saw him become a foreman in the early 1980s.
RDC management held a special farewell presentation for Mr Whare, his partner Jill, and whanau yesterday afternoon [24 March]. The function included special tributes from Mayor Kevin Winters, chief executive Peter Guerin, former mayor Grahame Hall, Cr Charles Sturt, RDC managers, local kaumatua, and moving personal reflections from his brother Thomas Whare and sister Julie Beach.
Born and bred in Rotorua, Mr Whare says it has been a great 50 years with council and he has enjoyed every minute of it.
“It's been a great place to work, starting with the county council, borough council, city council and now the district council. I've met some fantastic people over those 50 years. A lot of those people helped shape this city and I'm proud to have been a part of what they’ve achieved.
“Rotorua is a beautiful city and I really love and cherish it.”
But for now, Andy and Jill have their campervan set up and are ready to tour the South Island as they begin a new journey. More time for fishing and golf is also high on their agenda for the future.
"It’s time for us to move on and start a new chapter in our lives," says Mr Whare.
Castlecorp general manager Mike Davies said Mr Whare has always treated everyone with kindness, patience and respect, and the team on Vaughan Rd (Castlecorp depot) will miss his smiling face.
"Andy is a proper gentleman. He does so much work behind the scenes for his colleagues and the community without a fuss. The gap he will leave will certainly be felt by everyone."
Rotorua District Council staff are holding a farewell function for Andy Whare at the Castlecorp depot today [Friday] from 4.30pm.
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On The Hikoi Aftermath
NZ Government: PM Marks One Year In Government
Helen Clark Foundation: Helen Clark Foundation Calls For Political Action To Reduce The Prevalence Of Junk Food And Improve Health Outcomes
Justice Committee: Further Decisions About Submissions Process For The Principles Of The Treaty Of Waitangi Bill
Infrastructure New Zealand: Single Agency Needed To Coordinate Climate Adaptation And Recovery
Free Speech Union: Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill Likely To Restrict Access To Information, Polling Shows Most Oppose
Auckland Transport: Driver Safety Screens Now Rolling Out Across Auckland’s Bus Fleet
