* In a new feature series, local democracy reporter Diane McCarthy goes behind the scenes at Whakatāne District Council to highlight some of the hardworking staff that keep the town operating, the water flowing in the pipes, the bins emptied and the roads driveable – to name just a few of the 40 or more services the council provides.

Frank Tibble says he can’t speak highly enough of his busy team who keep Whakatāne district’s water moving to wherever it needs to be.

Mr Tibble started work at Whakatāne District Council’s Three Waters department as reticulation team leader in 2023 after a varied career that included 10 years in the Navy, followed by New Zealand Customs Service, police and working in the power and gas industry.

Now in his early 50s, he moved to Whakatāne from Auckland to take up the position.

“I absolutely love it, working here,” he said.

“It’s a very busy role, but I’ve got some good support. The area is beautiful. The people look after their area as well and it’s just a real pleasant place to work,” he said.

Based at the main Whakatāne Water Treatment Plant off Te Tahi Street, he said his team of 13 was one the biggest on council.

“We look after the fresh water, the storm water and the sewerage. I’ve got an awesome team, we’re out there 24/7, rain, hail or snow and I’m loving it.

“One thing I’ve really enjoyed here is the resource we have internally. I don’t always have all the answers to everything but at least its building those relationships so you can reach out when you do.”

The wider Three Waters team included a good number of people who have worked there over 20 years, who he describes as “the statesmen” of the team.

“Some guys have been there 20-to-30 years or more.”

Such vast experience on the team paid off during times of high pressure.

“When the wheel starts turning faster, everything just clicks into place,” Mr Tibble said.

He was very proud of his team with some high performers he felt deserved awards.

“I put all my boys forward for the Taituāra (Local Government New Zealand) awards. I’d like to highlight all the good work they do.”

He described a day in his working life as a variety of forward planning and “dealing with things at they come through the door”.

“A lot of our role is supporting the projects team and other areas of council. We get support from local contractors as well.”

Describes his leadership style as fair and flexible.

“I’m from that school where things were ruled by an iron fist. But I’ve seen a lot of good people fall through the cracks.

“You’ve got to be flexible. What works for one doesn’t work for another. It’s not one size fits all.”

A family man, he spends any time he gets off work with his two daughters and six grandchildren, still in Auckland.

“We love to go out and do things with the kids. That’s my happy place.

“When we’re with the kids, it’s just boom, we’re out there rather than just be at home watching TV. The market, the beach, the kids love it.”