My principal place of residence is in the District-Wide Councillor area.
Born, schooled, apprenticed and taught in New Plymouth; I've lived here always. I've loved representing New Plymouth District and its people in several roles, Member of Parliament, Mayor and as councillor. Always I work with people from all walks of life to achieve the best possible outcome.
My skills, experience and determination have made me a strong advocate for the many people who often feel they're not being heard.
Community connections are important and involvement in several voluntary organisations over many years has given me insight into the areas of society many of us wouldn't usually see.
That has reinforced my view that it is vital that Council concentrates on necessities, operates with transparency, and keeps a strong focus on costs.
We must keep the 'sparkle' while safe-guarding our environment.
Vote for experience, ability and knowledge at the council table in these uncertain times.
Yes, with real reluctance. I could write a book on NPDC finances and the foolish decisions made in times past. Better to look ahead and ensure every cent is spent as wisely and efficiently as possible.
Yes, in part. Simply put there is not sufficient income from rates to do all that is needed, sometimes for decades, e.g. Urenui sewage scheme. This issue needs real attention nationwide. Even though NPDC is in good shape, we are actually mostly addressing only 2 of the 3 waters.
Yes. Our great initiatives to provide finance for solar panels, the installation of insulation etc are on hold due to financial legislation and legal opinions. This needs to be sorted. Our forestry harvesting should also be replanted.
Yes. Although we've strongly supported business through COVID etc, we do need to revitalize the CBD in each of our towns, some good work done in past years but careful planning needed for the future.
Yes, for decades we've had wards to cater for rural people. Our district rejected having all councillors "at large" which is the only other alternative, in my view.
I think that councillors should attend community board meetings (in rotation). For me personally, I've learned a huge amount about the issues facing our smaller towns by attending as many community boards as I've been able to, even though I've always been elected till now in the city ward.
It is enough. We've been repeatedly assured of fundraising efforts to develop this project by those promoting it. This needs to happen and we need to get the necessities sorted as a priority.
Planning for the future, avoiding the 'Ad hoc' development of the past; infrastructure has not kept pace, due to costs. We should also sort out the PIF so that its benefits are not used for operational costs, but in the longer term can be put to special projects; e.g. Multisport Hub etc.
