How a six week council job turned into 30 years
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Denise Sutherland filled in at the Hurunui District Council for six weeks in 1993 while a staff member was on a honeymoon.
Thirty years on, and she is still working at the council.
Sutherland was one of several long serving staff recognised by mayor Marie Black on Tuesday.
"It is a great place to work and the team I am in now is wonderful and they are so supportive."
Sutherland filled in for the building department for six weeks, before being offered a permanent contract.
Since then she has served under five mayors and four chief executives and said there has been plenty of change.
"There has been building changes, staff changes, policy changes and different ways of doing things."
The biggest change has been technology, which has been incremental over time, she said.
She has worked between the building and finance teams and more recently as a rates officer.
Black thanked 10 staff members who served between 15 and 30 years at the council.
She said the milestones did not just reflect years of service.
"You don’t stay in a business for 20 or 30 years without being loyal and dedicated."
Governance advisor Maree Hare has been with the council for 20 years, the same period of time water supervisor Bob Genet has been out "digging holes and fixing pipes".
Information systems manager Scott Linton has been with the council for 15 years, in a role which has seen him manage the IT, cyber security and information management for the Hurunui and Kaikōura councils and Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa.
His team also managed the MacKenzie District Council’s IT for several years.
"When we pool our money together we can afford more," Linton said.
"We run them as three independent entities, but it is essentially the same systems."
Other staff recognised included: Rose Luff (25 years), JJ Gudopp (20 years), Josie Hemmings (20 years), Jason Beck (15 years), Alistair Wilson (15 years) and Dianne Morrison (15 years).
Photo: Hurunui ,ayor Marie Black, centre, catches up with some of the council’s long serving staff, including Scott Linton, left, Bob Genet, Maree Hare and Denise Sutherland.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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90.2% Yes
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9.8% No
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.7% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.3% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
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