Our district affordability and sustainability are under threat from ongoing unsustainable rates increases.
With wide infrastructure and change management experience, as a former NPDC water services superintendent with an ongoing interest in and understanding of council systems and core infrastructure/service requirements I'm asking for the privilege of serving the district again. I'm standing for council to help refocus on what's needed in the interests of keeping New Plymouth District liveable for all residents.
My priorities include: Focus council on fit-for-purpose core services and infrastructure; Ensure successful implementation of chosen water services entity; Revisit the long-term plan; review roading cycleway and parking planning; ensure merit based, fully-researched decision making; Eliminate wasteful, divisive policy; Sustainable economic development opportunities and wealth retention.
I'll bring common sense, fact-based, analytical thinking, technical & operational experience, and a commitment to seeking input, informing & serving all residents fairly, openly, humbly.
Yes
What?
There are many areas that need serious review. Key areas to focus on immediately are: 1. Len Lye operating costs/council ownership; 2.Roading. Eliminate wasteful spending on complex roading projects; 3. Review fitness of non-performing services.
Yes
What?
NPDC should be actively looking for opportunities to reduce compliance & consenting costs, and barriers to enable new economic initiatives to be established. Employ locally first. Support the establishment of special economic zones for the region.
No
Why?
Our rough sleepers are members of our community and need to be treated as we would want for ourselves. Creating further hardship for others by living in the street around local businesses, without sanitation facilities, etc must stop.
No
Why?
Ringfencing water services in-house would bring most of the benefits needed for now & meets government requirements. Benefits of economies of scale require amalgamation of many districts services - NPDC should be working toward this in the future.
No
Why?
NPDC already has strategy and planning in place for managing climate impact and resilience needed in our region and this focus will always be needed. Time and resources should be committed to this rather than trying to stop the climate from changing.
No
Why?
While acknowledging the ongoing need to cater for our sports and recreational needs I don't think this is the right priority just now. Cost is excessive for what we're getting. Need to see a full business case before I'd be convinced otherwise.
No
Why?
As a cyclist, I would rather see our existing (and new) roads built for all to share, with good, unobstructed surfaces being properly, affordably maintained. Expensive, cycleways are difficult to justify when we're struggling to afford what we have.
Decline to answer
Why?
Respectfully, my vote on the matter is my private decision. I will work to make the best of whatever decision the electorate makes. As a councillor I am committed to fairly representing and advocating for all members of our district.
Identify viable business cases for providing suitable venues to accommodate major sports events and concerts. Ensure that our local infrastructure can support this activity in a sustainable way.
1. Focus council on fit-for-purpose core services and infrastructure; 2. Review the NPDC long-term plan
