Franklin Local Board member Lance Gedge has resigned.
The Franklin Local Board area incorporates Clevedon, Whitford, Maraetai and Beachlands.
First elected in 2010 as a member of the inaugural local board after being a part of the Clevedon Community Board, Gedge took an extended break to focus on his business and young family in 2013.
He returned to the board in 2019.
Board chair Andy Baker says Gedge did not want to delay until the next business meeting or end of the month. “This would have allowed him the chance to make a valedictory speech but preferred to leave quietly, a decision all the board respect.”
The arrival of Covid-19 caused an increase of demand on in his business. This, coupled with family health issues, meant he couldn’t devote as much time to board affairs as he wanted.
“Lance should be recognised for his willingness to stand for election and his contribution to the council,” Baker says. “Where he was a quiet but passionate contributor invested in getting the best for his area.
“Lance did what he could under some challenging circumstances and was always able to positively contribute to how we work as a team.”
Gedge says it was a pleasure to serve his community.
“It’s one I am greatly passionate about, but business commitments make it impossible to do that as I would like, so it’s time to set aside,” he says.
“The Wairoa community is a growing one facing many challenges and the people elected to represent it will, I believe, continue to do a fine job bringing the area’s concerns to the table.”
