The Wayne Brown That I Know

Wayne came to Kerikeri about 30 years ago. He was poor, then, and hasn't forgotten what that was like. He set up an engineering business, and it grew steadily.

I taught his children. They were polite, intelligent, and well mannered. Wayne checked occasionally, to ensure that his children were getting the best education we could offer. He portrayed as a loving and caring father, with his childrens interests at heart. Their schooling began and finished at Kerikeri schools. No flash Auckland schools for his kids, although by this time his business had grown enough that he could probably have afforded it.

As his business grew, so did his questioning of local bodies, their functions, and their accountability. By now, he was able to invest in land and buildings. Around this time, incredibly untrue rumours began, about his motives and daring, in questioning local bodies. I firmly believe that this was encouraged by members of local bodies that were having the utmost difficulty with accountability of themselves at the time.Not unlike what is happening now, if the truths known.He would have been blamed for the sun coming up in the East if that were possible. While this was going on, he was supporting young people at University, horticultural students, surfboarders, rugby players, and anything else where he could see a vital need. Finally, he tired of the harrassment, and moved to Mangonui.

In the 1990,s governments of the time recognised a man with outstanding intellect, and business acumen. He was asked to work with failing government organisations. His success in this field can only be gauged and remembered by the times he has been recalled to repeat the exercises.

Wayne does not need the financial reward of being our Mayor. He could live in any part of the World, and be successful. He has chosen to offer himself for this job because of his passion for Northland, his desire to turn our prosperity around, and provide a place where our young people can find jobs, and look forward to their future with confidence. No one could question his ability to do so.

We cannot afford to let this chance go. A man with humble beginnings, a huge success rate, respected by Government, a loving husband and father with boundless energy and enthusiasm. He can turn Northland back into not just a place, but a way of life.

Noelene Starr
Kerikeri