My principal place of residence is in the Puketapu-Bell Block Community Board area.
I am married to Melanie Sole and my principal place of residence is in the Puketapu-Bell Block general ward for the last 12 + years, my current role is the General Manager for the Taranaki Health Foundation which fundraise for enhancements at our base hospital. I have had various management roles including Commercial Manager for the Taranaki Daily News and 15 + years of various board roles as trustee, treasurer and chairperson.
The reason I am standing is that it's vital that your elected board members create a highly effective community board that advocates and lobbies for the best outcomes, crafts a consider and inclusive board plan by listening to its constituents that also addresses the increasingly annoying and dangerous behaviour of boy racers while helping create a safer community for all, I know I have those skills, leadership and experience to enable this, I look forward in serving you!
Yes. As a house owner, I'd rather not have this hike in rates, but I understand that infrastructure investment, asset maintenance and building are costly, and there is no cheaper time than now to implement these. So, I want to make sure that any spending is justified.
No. I can understand and share the deep concern that most, if not all councils have in this current reform. In saying that, there are some aspects I do like, but there would be a lot that needs to change before I can support it.
Yes. Though NPDC does a lot re minimizing impact e.g. 3 bins for waste and recycling and advocating best practices or encouraging less vehicle use e.g. Let’s Go Biking. There is always more and our extensive fleet of vehicles and public transport would be a good start to reduce emissions.
Yes. A healthy, wealthy and vibrant community is underpinned by an equally strong business framework. Without businesses of all sizes, types and industries we lose the ability to create this wealth, employment, outside investment and growth. We need to do more to retain, support and attract new businesses.
Yes, I am a 5th Generation New Zealander and I am very proud of our culture and heritage (mistakes and all) having a Maori ward helps keep that culture top of mind and via a different lens.
I am not aware of any concerns as most have community boards that help steer local investment and address local concerns. There is also a wide spread of councillors that live or have lived in these communities that help promote balanced advocacy.
I do not support the Multisport Hub, it still seems to be not well thought through, has far too many compromises and has all the hallmarks of costing way more than budgeted, it also seems a luxury/cost that we simply can’t afford.
Only spend what we can afford, our community needs to live within its means, we can’t keep borrowing money or investing in assets that we can’t afford let alone maintain, then add the continual impact of COVID/Inflation, so, let’s pause the ‘nice to haves’!
