Hi! I’m EJ. I’m here to protect what matters most: Libraries. Homes. Communities.
With libraries under threat, and many candidates pushing for cuts, I’m standing up for our public spaces and community resources.
I’ll push council to unlock more affordable housing, by reducing consent fees for community housing providers and backyard subdivisions. Building more homes where services already exist reduces costs, reduces pressure on rates, and puts money back in the hands of the people.
I have professional experience in finance and facilitation. I've studied city design and resource management. I’ve helped form national policy on economic wellbeing, and fought for public transport.
I’m deeply connected to disability, LGBTQIA+, and school communities. As someone with lived experience of disability, chronic illness, and navigating underfunded systems, I know how local decisions can build belonging, or deepen hardship.
Save Our Libraries!
#1 for EJ: For a fairer, more connected future.
Tēnā koutou. Ko EJ ahau.
Kei konei au hei tiaki i ngā mea nui: Wharepukapuka. Kāinga. Hapori.
Kei te raru ō tātou wharepukapuka. Kei te tū au ki te tautoko ngā wāhi me ngā rauemi hapori.
Ka pana au i te kaunihera kia whakaiti i ngā utu whakaaetanga mō ngā kaihanga kāinga hapori me ngā wāwāhi whenua kāinga. Mā te hanga kāinga ki ngā wāhi kua whai ratonga kē, ka heke te utu, ka heke te pēhanga ki ngā reti, ā, ka hoki te pūtea ki te tāngata.
Kei te whai waahi ahau taha tahua, nga wānanga hapori, te hoahoa tāone, te kaitiakitanga o te taiao, oranga ōhanga, me waka hapori.
He hononga tōku ki ngā hapori o tāngata whaikaha, takatāpui, me ngā kura, no reira, e mohio ana ahau: ka taea e ngā whakataunga ā-rohe te waihanga i te tūhonohono, ki te kore, ka whakapiki anō i te mamae.
Yes
What?
Prioritise low-risk, low-cost, high-return infrastructure. Build homes where pipes and roads already exist. Make it easier for locals and non-profit groups to build housing. These changes save money and help keep rates lower.
Yes
What?
Supporting libraries, arts & new homes strengthens our economy! -Libraries return $3–$9 per $1 invested -Building homes on existing services brings more customers for nearby businesses -Winter Festival of Lights created $1.25M for locals
No
Why?
If we reduce barriers for non-profit housing providers, & ensure that low-income housing is built near social services, We can ease the housing crisis and house our people WITHOUT costing ratepayers extra.
Decline to answer
Why?
We neglected our water pipes, and now the only options available are astronomically expensive. I would need to look at the numbers to find out which option will balance keeping control in the hands of the community, but also being affordable.
Yes
Why?
We need better public transport
No
Why?
It's important to focus on low-cost, high impact infrastructure and protecting what we already have when times are tough. Tūparikino needed to happen, but meeting the basic survival needs of our town should have come first.
Decline to answer
Why?
Yes, but, it can be done a lot cheaper than what's on Devon St. Cycleways mean low income households can get to work and school safely. The BIGGEST expense for ratepayers is roads. Cycleways done well reduce rates pressure in the long run.
Keep
Why?
Toitū Te Tiriti. Mana Motuhake. Tino Rangatiratanga. Accurate representation strengthens our democracy.
Work with TRC & Horizons Regional Council (Whanganui) to connect passenger rail here Improve our public transport Fast-track permits and approvals to make the process easy Grow stronger relationships with the international music and events sector
Save Our Libraries House Our People With good planning, a livable town for everyone is more affordable town Neglect is expensive Crisis is expensive Creating inclusive communities is both the right thing to do, & the most economical
