Janice Smith was born and raised in Melton Mowbray, which is often described as Britain’s rural capital of food but South Wairarapa is now the place she calls home.
What appealed to you about the role of Chief Executive at South Wairarapa District Council?
I wasn’t particularly looking for a change of role but something prompted me to go on Seek one Monday evening. The role closed on the Wednesday. I saw it and thought this could be an ideal move for me and the rest, as they say, is history. I don’t think there was one thing. It just felt right.
I have been here for a little over six months now and am really enjoying working with the team and getting to know the people of South Wairarapa.
How long have you been involved in local government? My career in local government started in January 1980 in the United Kingdom. I started as a debtors officer and worked my way through to being a Principal Accountant for the Education Department.
I moved to New Zealand in 2005 and joined the Far North District Council where I stayed for 18 years. I thought that’s where I would stay. There is a distinct difference between local government in the United Kingdom and in New Zealand. It was quite a culture shock when I first arrived and found that councils here are infrastructure managers.
Where were you born and bred and where do you consider home?
I was born in Melton Mowbray in the United Kingdom; home of the Melton Mowbray pork pie and Stilton cheese. I moved to New Zealand in 2005 and now consider this to be home.
What do you most love about the South Wairarapa?
I am closer to my daughter and grandchildren, who live over the hill and are now only an hour away.
Where is your favourite place in the South Wairarapa and why?
I am still discovering the wonders of the South Wairarapa. I love the different vibes between the three towns but also the rugged coastline. It is very different to the beaches in the Far North.
What do you think is the best thing about living in the South Wairarapa?
The people. I have been made to feel really welcome since moving here.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
Anywhere my family is. I would love to visit Austria. I love the look of the houses and the countryside but I would always come home to my family.
If you could change one thing in the South Wairarapa, what would it be?
The coastal roads. There are some really challenging conditions which mean the roads along our coast are not as resilient as they could be.
What is your ideal meal and where would it be?
A really good restaurant in Russell called the Gables and dinner with one of my daughters would be up there in terms of an ideal meal. I enjoy steak but it can be unbelievably hard to get a good one sometimes, so when I do find one, I’ll go back. I am also a sucker for a crème brulée.
Which word or phrase do you most overuse?
“In the Far North.” I am sure my team are over me saying it.
Which writer do you most admire?
I don’t think I admire a writer but I do have favourites. The Dark Tower series by Stephen
King, the Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz and any book by Karen Rose, David Baldacci or
Harlen Corben.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My husband and daughters. My husband is my rock, always there to support me, even when I take a leap into the unknown. My daughters because they are tenacious, brave, kind and make me smile.
How do you unwind and relax?
I read. I love books. Holding a book is special. No Kindles for me.
ends
