MotuekaOnline logo

 
[ Return ]

Paul Hawkes, Motueka Community Board member

January 28th, 2010
By David Armstrong
(First published in The Guardian)

His "inability to say no" has led Paul Hawkes into a variety of life experiences, ranging from being "Mister Christmas Lights" and leading the brass and pipe bands, to serving on the Motueka Community Board.

Being on the (ahem) large side of average build has made him an ideal Father Christmas too, a role he's always been happy to fill whenever asked.

"There's so much I want to give back to the community," he says. "I've always been conscious of the importance of community through my involvement with various groups.

"At nine I was given the opportunity to get into my dream job. At 17 I was offered an apprenticeship. Every day you get given something, and if I can share something in return, that's good."

Born in Motueka, Paul's involvement in the wider community began by playing with the brass band at the age of nine. About that time, showing clear signs of a mechanical bent, he started doing lawn mower repairs in a mower shop. (His mother was sure he'd end up a mechanic after he was carted to hospital at age four having drunk petrol. "She said I'd be a petrol head after that.")

At 17, he was offered a motor mechanic apprenticeship, and two years later bought his first business - Pioneer Motors which is now Parkes Automotive. Over the next two decades Paul Hawkes set up, ran and "thoroughly enjoyed" several Motueka businesses, including a parts recovery firm, a car rental business, and a repair shop.

Twelve years ago, Paul and Stephen Day lobbied and worked for a night-time parade and display of Christmas lights down High Street. That has morphed into today's Starlight Parade. His own home in Teece Drive is lit up each year with over 50,000 lights (and there are another 100,000 of them in the shed!), hence Paul's alter ego as Mr Christmas Lights.

After numerous heart scares, in 2005 he decided to wind up his business empire and accept an offer for his current position, training motor trade apprentices through the top of the South Island. "It's time consuming and means travelling over 5000km a month, mentoring and working with about 160 apprentices covering 47 qualifications.

"I love the hands-on, getting my hands dirty, but I thrive on seeing practically-focused people who struggle with the theory side complete their courses, and mentoring them through to great outcomes."

He also loves his involvement as drum major of the two Motueka bands. "The discipline and skills involved in marching flows through everything in life, helping me with focus and concentration."

Two years ago Paul was invited to stand for the community board. He stood on the platform of "What you see is what you get", which was apt given his reputation for no-nonsense, up-front dealings with people and business. "I've always been very approachable, I say what I mean and that gets me into trouble sometimes. I don't pull any punches, but I don't stab people in the back either. Occasionally that's created ructions in Council, but what they see is what they get."

Paul is a staunch advocate for real consultation between politicians and the people they represent. "I get very frustrated that at the stroke of a pen somebody can actually alter people's lives, with no consultation."

He says that until recently there was minimal consultation with the Motueka public, but the current community board has upped the game, with many open meetings on important topics.

"I believe the board is now doing a very effective job. (Tasman District) Council are now listening to many of our recommendations. Having said that, there should be more delegation to the board and more money raised here spent here (in the Motueka ward)."

On modern individualistic trends, Paul believes that many parents these days don't instil early on the values of helping others. "It's a generational thing, I think. It's more of an 'I want' attitude these days than it used to be when we were brought up. Plus, many kids are not taught to respect the meaning of the word 'no'. They don't know when to back off, and that's when all sorts of strife starts."

 
[ Return ]