QSM for long time Waipa contributor Ron Cooper

A FRAMED photograph of Maungatautari was a fitting present for Ron Cooper on his departure from Council after 27 years of helping manage Waipa’s affairs (before and after amalgamation). He has been on Maungatautari Reserve committees throughout that time and chairman for 18 years. Mr Cooper (right) received the gift from Waipa Mayor Alan Livingston. Photo supplied.

Kairangi farmer Ron Cooper has a record of service to the wider Waipa community that is hard to rival.

Mr Cooper was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal in the New Year’s Honours in recognition of his services to local body affairs and the community - services that span more than four decades.

Waipa Mayor Alan Livingston, in making a presentation to the outgoing councillor at Council’s meeting last month, referred to the longevity and diversity of Mr Cooper’s contributions.

He was a Waipa County Councillor from 1980-89 and a Waipa District Councillor from that organisation’s inauguration in 1989 until last year’s election - a total of 27 years of elected representation of fellow residents on Council. He was Deputy Mayor of Waipa District for its first six years, a member of the Policy Committee from 1989-2007, a member of the Regulatory Committee from 1989-2004, chairman of the Maungatautari Reserve Management Committee from 2004- 2007, chairman of Karapiro Lake Users Group from 1989-2007 and a member of Environment Waikato’s Project Watershed Liaison Group for Middle Waikato from 2001-07.

Mr Livingston said Mr Cooper was a long serving councillor who provided a personal and efficient link with constituents, while also bringing a substantial amount of knowledge and experience to the Council table.

Mr Cooper said for his part that he just enjoys working with people.

His first thought when nominated for a QSM was ‘Why me?”.

“It was a funny feeling, good feeling.”

Mr Cooper gave credit to his wife of 58 years Joy for her support of all his roles.

Mr Cooper’s contribution has extended far beyond local government circles. He was a Cambridge Electric Power Board trustee from 1974- 93 and has been a Waipa Networks trustee since 1993. He has also provided extensive contributions of service to Kairangi Hall Committee (30 years), Cambridge Community Marae and Cambridge Veterinary Club (30 years - 25 as chairman) as well as Federated Farmers (40 years).