1. CHB Council has just reviewed its spending plans for improving the district’s water infrastructure, deferring some projects considerably. Do you support this approach even if it delays important improvements?
I support the deferral of projects as this is what the ratepayer have asked for. However, the ratepayer’s also need to understand that there may be more water shutdowns for longer periods due to aging infrastructure.
2. Name 2-3 specific CHBDC projects, policies or spends over the past three years with which you personally disagree.
To be honest, the upgrade of the Waipukurau Refuse Centre through the closure of Waipawa and Takapau Centres. It has not solved the problem of ‘rubbish dumping’ along our rivers, sides of the roads, in our drains and any hidden space people can find. The support for the Tukituki Water Storage which a councilor has been
appointed to its Board.
3. Do you support construction of the ‘new’ Ruataniwha Dam? Do you believe Council should invest ratepayer funds in it?
No, I do not support the construction of the Ruataniwha Dam, it’s and Environmental Disaster waiting to happen and I totally disagree that ratepayer funds should be invested in it.
4. CHB seems on its way to becoming Hawke’s Bay’s solar capital. Do you support that development?
I support the development of solar energy as it allows the user to put back unused energy to the National Grid.
5. Do you believe councils’ rates should be ‘capped’ by legislation?
Yes, a small district like Central Hawkes Bay cannot
6. Do you personally support retaining Māori seats at your council table?
Yes, I totally support the retaining of Māori seats at the council table. A Māori voice at the table with voting rights allows for Māori voice to be heard, understood and respected.
7. Does Hawke’s Bay need five councils, or do you support amalgamation, in any form?
There are going to be times when small councils like Central Hawkes Bay will need to almalgamate on projects such as Local Water Done Well, however, not always. Each District needs to keep their own voice from their own community and to be the Kaitiaki of their own resources. Having one council taking care of over 181,000 people and infrastructure takes away people’s voices. So overall, No.
8. Would you support Councils appointing an independent “Hawke’s Bay Auditor General” to monitor councils’ spending and programme performance?
Appointing an independent Hawkes Bay Auditor General is again going to come at a cost. All Councils expenditure is open for public viewing, I don’t see the need for an independent Auditor.
