Sonya Billyard

I have been a community development worker for over 16 years in the Waikouaiti coastal area.

Working for POWA (Progress of Waikouaiti Area) I have developed strong skills in communication, collaboration and maintaining professional relationships.

Community is more than geographical area, it is about culture, heritage, social connection and a sense of belonging. I foster these values in everything I do and I advocate strongly through the Board that our coastal voices are heard. I raised my now adult children in the Waikouaiti/Karitane area and have been living here for over 30 years now.

It is now about the next generation and ensuring we have an area to be proud of.