Clare St Pierre — The local who was already doing the work

Ask Clare St Pierre about being a councillor and she won’t start with meeting rooms, agendas or 200-page reports.

She’ll talk about people: the conversations at the gate, the locals who quietly get things done, and the volunteers who turn up because something matters to them.

A proud Pirongia local and environmental champion, Clare has spent more than 12 years around the Council table — but her connection to Waipā started long before that. She’s worked alongside community groups, supported environmental projects and championed places like Mt Pirongia and Taiea te Taiao.

During some of Waipā’s toughest weather events, she saw exactly what makes the district tick.

“While the devastation has been shocking, the way people have come together has been humbling and inspiring.”

For Clare, that’s the best part of local government: seeing people care enough to roll up their sleeves.

As Chair of the Service Delivery Committee, she’s focused on making sure Council delivers well — and that decisions made around the table translate into things people can actually see and use.

Away from Council, Clare is usually outdoors: walking Mt Pirongia, cycling, gardening, singing or experimenting with her latest home brew.

Looking after Waipā isn’t just a job for Clare. She’s been doing it for years.