The ethos I propose to bring to Council, which is based on more than four decades of self-employment, revolves around the most efficient use of resources available to perform the essential tasks at hand.
The need to achieve more than expected at a cost less than anticipated, in a timely manner has always guided my decisions in a dairying career where my wife and I started from scratch, achieved quite a lot, learnt a lot and can take great satisfaction from that success. The need to focus clearly on value for money and excellence at every stage cannot be understated.
My governance experiences includes; Manaia Basketball Club, President Manaia Tennis Club, Chairman of Manaia Primary School Board of Trustees, Fonterra Shareholders Council and West Coast Reserve Lessees Association committee (30+ years).
I deeply respect all cultures and place huge emphasis on being true to myself and others.
Yes
Develop stronger contractual policies for important planned capital expenditures on infrastructure so that major cost overruns and time delays do not significantly impact on the final figure.
Yes
Facilitated discussions with industry experts within our community and beyond, listening and providing support where appropriate. Promoting lateral views from within the intellectual pools we have is the precursor to action.
No
The provision of an 800,000 shelter is a start but not enough. Rough sleepers need professional help from multiple agencies not just NPDC. Needs careful planning. Communities want their Main Street back, security is important.
No
At a time of major infrastructure upgrades it is important to keep matters in house and under a higher degree of control. Community concern about rising rates not to mention targeted rates is high. This is not the time for a WSCCO to rate 2 waters.
Yes
Where it becomes an issue, Councils must act. Certainly it is easy to confuse mitigation with impacts. A strong Civil Defense infrastructure is key to deal with the effects of a force majeure commonly associated with climate change these days.
Yes
Supporting our youth/rangatahi as they strive for team and personal goals are vital for their personal and societal development.Cost control across the suite of infrastructure developments makes this affordable, rather than burdensome on ratepayers
No
As an avid cyclist I declare these short pieces of poorly designed incursions into an otherwise barely adequate roadway to be poorly conceived. We can better utilise our walkways and footpaths for an alternative, safer, citywide.
Keep
I see no issue with the Māori ward system. A greater involvement or buy in of any voter group has my vote. Māori seats I Parliament have been a part of who we are since 1867, not to be conflated with anything else but representation.
We are already doing well on this count but there is always an upside. Facilitated input from Art, Cultural and Sporting and Business sectors are important to develop effective strategies to achieve this goal before capital is applied.
To work as part of a Council team dedicated to delivering on the plans already in place on time, to budget and up to expectations, at an affordable price. The need for more effective community dialogue and involvement when developing future plans.
