For 40 years Jeff Farrell has been dedicated to supporting the Whakatāne District through natural disasters, and now that hard work has been recognised with an award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Government.
After joining Whakatāne District Council in 1979, Mr Farrell has responded to 24 natural hazard events and has helped guide the district through some of its toughest times.
Council Chief Executive Steph O’Sullivan said Mr Farrell brings clear thinking and understanding to issues that are complex or poorly understood.
“Jeff has tackled difficult and misunderstood natural hazard impacts including climate change adaptation and has become a leader in his field around managed retreat.
“His work has often involved developing new policies and procedures to meet emerging issues and he always takes the time to share that knowledge and experience with other councils so everyone can learn from and use his work. We have seen this around earthquake-prone buildings, rapid building assessments and managed retreat.
“His work has informed national policies too at a Government level and is currently informing the Climate Change Adaptation Act and National Adaptation Plan.
“I admire Jeff’s ability to adapt and to keep people at the heart of everything he does. He really strives to find the best outcome for everyone and brings a thoughtful and considered approach to his profession,” said Ms O’Sullivan.
In his 40 years with council Mr Farrell has been involved with identifying and managing risks to public health from contaminated wood waste sites and response and recovery teams for earthquakes, flooding, debris flow, cyclones, landslides. He also developed a risk-based framework for managing earthquake prone buildings in Whakatāne which was picked up nationally.
Most significantly, Mr Farrell’s expertise around natural hazard events and applying a risk framework to land use planning, has seen him publish work, sit on several national advisory groups, and speak at national and international conferences. He is regarded as being an expert in the field of managed retreat.
Mr Farrell said he’s really enjoyed the past 40 years serving the Whakatāne community.
“Local Government is a great place to work because you are helping the community you live in thrive.
“I’m honoured to have received this award but couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of the council who encouraged me to be my best and to share my mahi with others combined with fantastic contributions from the many colleagues I have worked with over the years.”
Pictured left to right: Whakatāne District Council General Manager Development and Environment David Bewley, Julie Farrell, Jeff Farrell, Chief Executive Whakatāne District Council Steph O’Sullivan.