FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michael Birch Announces Candidacy for Greater Wellington Regional Council
Hill country farmer and environmental advocate Michael Birch has announced he is standing for the Greater Wellington Regional Council in the upcoming by-election.
Born and raised in the Wairarapa and from a multi-generational farming family, Birch lives at Tauweru, on Masterton Castlepoint Road. He has owned and operated businesses in both tourism and information technology sectors, giving him a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities and local businesses.
“Wairarapa needs practical representation that understands both the opportunities and the challenges facing our communities,” Birch said. “public transport, pest management, flood protection, our rivers, and the future direction of our region.”
“Agriculture is one of the largest employers in Wairarapa, with sheep and beef farming in the eastern hill country forming the backbone of much of our economy. Greater Wellington’s work in erosion control, flood protection, biodiversity and managing pests are both economic and environmental priorities for the region.”
Birch has a long history of involvement in environmental and water management issues in Wairarapa. He served on the Ruamāhanga Whaitua Committee, a community-led group established to develop recommendations for the future management of land and water resources throughout the Ruamāhanga catchment. He was also a member of the committee responsible for developing the Wairarapa Water Resilience Strategy in 2021.
He is currently a member of the newly formed Upper Ruamāhanga Advisory Group, which gives advice to Greater Wellington on matters relating to flood and erosion risks.
Birch serves as a trustee of the Ruamāhanga Restoration Trust, a charitable organisation supporting schools and community groups in the catchment with environmental restoration projects and educational activities.
Among his priorities is continuing investment in flood protection infrastructure. Flood control remains one of Regional Council's most important responsibilities,” Birch said. “We need to continue to involve local communities in decision-making for flood protection and river management.”
On public transport, Birch supports the ongoing programme of rail investment. “We should continue to invest in improving services for those travelling between Wairarapa and Wellington.”
With local government reorganisation now under discussion, Birch says Wairarapa needs a strong, independent voice at the table. “I support democratic decision-making and environmental protections that are practical, effective and based on local knowledge. We should carefully consider both the opportunities and the costs of change, ensuring that Wairarapa communities are not left worse off.”
Birch says his priorities are affordable, resilient infrastructure, effective flood and catchment management, and ensuring ratepayers receive value for money. “I want to bring practical experience, and independent thinking to the Regional Council table. By working closely with local communities we can support productive farming and business and protect our environment.”
Media contact: mbirch321@gmail.com