My principal place of residence is not in the District-Wide Councillor area.
Unprecedented times are calling on us: to be courageous, insightful, resourceful. To innovate and to connect. As a strategist with a background in tech entrepreneurship I've learnt to navigate complex human, technological and financial dynamics in big picture contexts.
I was privileged to be The Opportunities Party's New Plymouth candidate in 2020. Local government is different, but the same values will always drive me: radical transparency; decision-making and planning around the best available evidence; deep and authentic representation - your needs, your aspirations.
I love New Plymouth's diversity and creativity, and also the pragmatism that underpins it. Through Sustainable Taranaki and Startup Taranaki I collaborate with, and advocate for, enterprising locals and communities working to secure a bright future in an environment that's resilient and sustainable.
I'm proud of what we offer residents and visitors alike. I'm excited by our potential. Together, we'll continue to astonish.
Kia kaha, ngā hoa!
Yes. On the assumption that these rates will be applied responsibly to NPDC’s goals of Partnerships, Delivery, Community, Sustainability, Prosperity, and given the rate of inflation and the rising costs of providing services, 6% seems reasonable. However, consideration needs to be given to ratepayers caught in the cost of living crisis.
No. History demonstrates that Governments are terrible managers (which is why its called “government”, not “management”) and that the best decisions for a community are made within the community. The solution to historical underinvestment in urban infrastructure is not a top-down Government approach but better planning, design, execution and accountability.
Yes. We’re seeing more extreme weather events, a crisis in biodiversity – pandemic risk, too, is increased by climate change. The best time to act on this is 30 years ago. The next best time is now. The Climate Action Framework is a good start, and needs more teeth.
Yes. With NPDC’s support, North Taranaki businesses could pioneer sustainable innovations and lead a just transition to a low emissions economy. More can be done to support social entrepreneurship, to revitalise “downtown” areas in support of enterprising activity, and to break down social and cultural barriers to economic participation.
Yes. Beyond merely fulfilling our obligation as Treaty partners, the Māori ward offers a couple of distinct opportunities to North Taranaki – improving Council decision-making through better representation and the inclusion of diverse perspectives, and ensuring that the richness of local Iwi culture and heritage is made visible and accessible.
I’m convinced that the communities in these centres know exactly what they need to thrive. NPDC should be working harder to ensure the communities, and their Community Boards, have the information and resources required to make and implement decisions that support their people’s social, environmental and economic wellbeing.
It’s unlikely to be enough and – unless the people of North Taranaki tell us otherwise in overwhelming numbers (I’m all ears!) it should absolutely be capped.
Devolving decision-making and resources to communities. Local bodies exist for to support community wellbeing (social, cultural, environmental and economic), and to enhance local democracy. Neither can be delivered through bureaucratic processes that disempower the communities they’re appointed to serve. We face critical issues – it’s time to partner on solutions.
