Media release from Councillor Stephanie Cook
There comes a point in one’s life when it is time to take a new direction. Such a time has come upon me and so I will not be standing for re-election come October.

These sorts of times are both exciting and terrifying, but life would be deadly dull without them. And so I am off to be a farmer (of sorts, of goats and chooks and vegetables) and to run a B&B on the lovely piece of land I have bought in the foothills of the Tararuas.

It has been such an honour and a privilege to serve as a Wellington City Councillor for the last eighteen years and I have many wonderful memories of my time representing Mt Victoria.

I remember the many fantastic meetings held in the old Crossways, in particular a fiery meeting about the Saturn Cables. We lost that battle and I guess we have kind of adjusted to the bundles of ugly cables. But there were many more battles fought and won.

Mt Victoria led the way in having a Demolition rule in the District Plan. Officers were opposed, but we won the day and have saved many wonderful old buildings as a result.

I have also met so many fantastic people during my time and have seen Wellington blossom and flourish. But now it’s time for me to be off and for some new blood to have a role in shaping this great little city village. And if you want a break away in the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, give me a call – next year!

First published in http://mtvicnews.org.nz/current-issue/