My principal place of residence is in the Kaitake-Ngāmotu General Ward area.
I'm proudly New Plymouth born & raised, with a passion for our community, in particular, Taranaki - New Plymouth, Ngāmotu to be precise, the best city in the country.
Throughout my life I've experienced many aspects of community through work commitments, even coordination, fundraising & the charitable sector engaging with people and groups through empathetic leadership. I possess sound business management experience, am financially aware with governance experience in education and community roles.
I authentically believe the majority of challenges, including the drive for better outcomes for our diverse community and its needs, can be realised through sound discussion, reasoned thinking and I see resilience and big picture thinking as keys to making these things happen.
Through passion, knowledge and connection I will do my bit to help ensure we uphold our lifestyle capital title and that it is accessible to all ages and abilities.
Ngä mihi nui
Craig Nielsen
Yes. It would be nice to say no in principle, however there are costs to deliver services and ensure our city meets residents' needs. I support innovative ways to minimise rates rises, along with responsible financial management.
No. I don't believe centralising management of our water assets will provide better outcomes, quite possibly the opposite. Infrastructure needs to be adequately resourced, managed, and monitored. I believe this is best done at the source - regionally.
No. I believe there is sound consultation and strategy in place to preserve and improve our environment.
Yes. Make doing business with NPDC as easy to use as possible. Foster a culture of business success to drive community success and wellbeing.
Yes. Over a period of time I thought no, democracy shall prove eligibility and success. Through education I believe authentic partnership with mana whenua honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Ensure communications outward are clear and transparent, encourage and make interactions easy-to-use. Engage with all sectors of community young, old, impaired, sports, culture groups, make it easy and fun.
New Plymouth is behind our peer regions in sport and community facilities. The Tūparikino Hub is an opportunity to provide an inclusive and accessible asset in the heart of the city. Do it once and do it right.
Listening, engaging with our people and identifying areas of need to prioritise impact and outcomes. Appoint an effective CEO through sound process.
