My principal place of residence is in the Kaitake-Ngāmotu General Ward area.
It has been a privilege to have represented my community for the past three years. I have enjoyed the challenge of learning how local government works and how I can add value to it. I have been outspoken about a range of topics whilst representing various cohorts of our community.
We will never please everyone with the decisions Council make or the opinions presented, however I have shown that I will not be intimidated to back down or roll over with the majority, for what I believe the community I represent want.
I am not affiliated to any political party. I am passionate about more diversity within local government, being a voice for my community with a future focus always. I believe I have added a different perspective to the council table for the better - diversity of thought is always a good thing when it comes to decision making.
Yes. Because we have rated to fix our infrastructure, which had been unfunded for decades. The walkway extension and sports hub are nice to have’s but will benefit the community in different ways. I would like to see the council increase funding to stimulate our CBD now rather than in a few years – the planning is in place, which is a start.
No. I do not support central government and their lack of consulting with the community and obsession with mandates. Our three waters must stay local and I would like to see a regional entity of South Taranaki, Stratford and NPDC combine to keep our water decisions in Taranaki. These assets have been paid for by locals for decades and it is unacceptable the government feels they can take what is not theirs without any consultation. Three waters nationally need help, but I believe this is not the way to go about the change and reform.
Yes. I think we have funded projects that won’t make a blind bit of difference in the long run. I agree with planting more native trees but I would like to see NPDC encouraging more plant based farming. Animal Agriculture is our biggest carbon emitter, and we spend all our time beating up the oil and gas industry. I would like to see local government as a whole working with farmers to help support and incentivise this industry to diversify their production.
Yes. We could do more to support businesses especially in the CBD. Businesses pay some of the highest rates and some feel they aren’t consulted or listened to on matters that directly concern their businesses. I think some businesses also feel left out of conversations so finding a way to involve everyone that wants to be involved is something NPDC could work on in the future.
I do support a Maori ward. I think having a Maori view at the table is important and can only add more diversity and goodness to decision making. I also think having a Maori lens on council activities and decisions is important, just like I believe having women, younger men and people from different backgrounds is important for diversity of thought when making decisions for the community.
Better engagement in the areas either by community board members, elected members and NPDC staff. NPDC strengthened community boards with extra funding to use in these areas which I think is a good start to adding more support.
Yes, this is enough and it should be capped at $40 million. There are so many projects around the district that would benefit the community and stimulate economic growth and we need to ensure those projects can be done as well. With the cost of living rising, it is time to focus on the basics and delaying projects is better than trying to do everything at a premium cost.
My top priorities are ensuring we fight the government around the Three Waters reform and try our best to keep our water, local. The local government reforms and how local government looks in the future is huge, being part of this conversation is vital and extremely important for local democracy. Ensuring our council is making the best decisions for all of our community and the minorities voice is heard.
