Retiring member Bob Upchurch said his farewells to Waiheke Local Board after deciding not to stand for re-election.
His final local board meeting as a member was on Wednesday 28 September, where he reflected on his time on the board.
Bob has been a member of Waiheke Local Board for two political terms, first elected in 2016. He spent 18 months as deputy chair from 2019-2021.
“This island has an amazing cross section of people,” says Bob of working with community groups in his capacity as a board member.
“I’ve enjoyed working with my fellow members over the past two terms.”
For the entirety of Bob’s tenure, he has been the board representative on the Waiheke Recreation Centre Trust. For the past three years he has also been the board representative for the Waiheke Island Civil Defence Emergency Management Sub Committee, as well as the board lead on resource consent feedback since February 2019.
Bob was a strong advocator for the sports and recreation sector with many asset improvements in the area progressed due to his support. These included significant works at the Onetangi Sports Park Pavilion such as changing room improvements, drainage repair and field maintenance, and resurfacing the Waiheke Tennis court.
Bob has been an active member providing input on the many bylaws, policies and plans the board has worked on over the years. This includes significant plans during this term such as the draft Waiheke Local Parks Management Plan, draft Waiheke Area Plan and the 10-year Transport Plan.
Other members of Waiheke Local Board describe Bob as an amazing mentor who has shown great leadership and maturity.
Bob was thanked for his service to Auckland Council and the communities of Waiheke at the final meeting.
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