HAVING worked for Wairoa District Council for well over a decade, James Baty is moving on from his position as Corporate Services Manager.

Mr Baty has accepted a position with Gisborne District Council as the Director of Internal Partnerships where he will look after a team of people responsible for Information Systems, People and Capabilities (HR), Democracy, Legal Services and Health and Safety.

He explained his decision as an unplanned but positive change and one he did not make lightly.

“It goes without saying that it has been a privilege to work for Wairoa District Council and the Wairoa community over a number of years. The associations I've made during my time here will truly be memorable for years to come,” Mr Baty said.

“It is not easy to leave a job you love. Even with a new and exciting opportunity on the horizon, cutting the cord that connects you to a place you are part of and will always consider home has been one of the most difficult challenges I have faced.”

Mr Baty has been responsible for many aspects of the Council’s operations over the years and believes the Council is well equipped to head into the future.

”The achievements of an organisation are the results of the combined effort of each individual and we are fortunate to have a dedicated bunch of people at Wairoa District Council working hard to move our community forward” he said.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little described James’s resignation as a significant loss to the organisation.

“James has been a huge part of the Wairoa District Council's success, I have found his knowledge and experience very valuable and we will miss him not being around the Council environment,” Mr Little said.

“He has been a magnificent leader in our community and is well-respected for his professional and approachable manner.

Mr Baty will continue to live in Wairoa for the foreseeable future and maintain his roles on the Wairoa College Board of Trustees and as chairman of the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust.

“I feel like I still have unfinished work here so I am not flying the coop just yet, there is still much work to be done and I am committed to helping our community grow and flourish.”

Mr Baty says he is very sad to be leaving the Council after so many years but he is really enthusiastic about his future role and the opportunity for personal growth and new learnings.

“Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. This is an opportunity not only for myself and my whānau but also for Council to bring some fresh thinking into the organisation.”

Mr Baty has equally-strong whakapapa connections to both Wairoa and Gisborne and says it is fortuitous that he gets to live in one tūrangawaewae while working in the other.

“I have always known that a part of life would see me drawn to my other home in Gizzy, but I am lucky in the sense that I get to have the best of both communities, I call home.”

Mr Baty will take up his new job in early January 2018.

31 October 2018

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