Marcus Gower — Eight terms in and still pulling up a chair

We all know Council can be a bit of a machine. Marcus Gower has spent 20 years around the gears — and still hasn’t reached for the off switch.

He first joined the Te Awamutu Community Board in 2007, thinking it was a good way to get involved. Nearly two decades later, he’s still turning up — for the conversations, the debates and the chance to help shape the place he calls home.

So what keeps him coming back?

“The people,” Marcus says.

“I really enjoy working with my fellow councillors, Council staff and local groups and being able to help have a meaningful impact.”

Over the years, Marcus has had a front-row seat to big changes across Waipā — from the Cambridge Velodrome and Te Awamutu Library to the Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant and Te Awamutu Skatepark.

But local government isn’t a place for instant gratification.

“The wheels move slowly — and intentionally. It’s great to come in with dreams and ideas, but you need to play the long game.”

As Waipā’s longest-serving elected member, Marcus is now looking ahead to significant changes in local government and the district’s next long-term plan.

Away from Council, you’ll find him in Kihikihi, likely with the smoker fired up or out on Lakes Arapuni and Karāpiro with family and friends.

Eight terms in, the curiosity remains: about people, places and what comes next.