1. HDC has struggled over allocating land to housing/industrial development versus protecting productive soils in the district. Do you believe the right decisions are being made?

I believe Council has got it pretty much right in relation to Industrial Development on poorer class soils. As long as good flat land is made available for housing, there is little incentive for a mind shift. In my view WE NEED MORE higher density and start going up and not out. Versatile fertile land is our “Gold” and must be protected.

2. HDC plans to spend $80 million over the next three years to improve water infrastructure? Is this appropriate and who should pay?

Water infrastructure is Major Core Council business. Review and reprioritizing of maintenance and renewal of end of life water assets along with spend is and will continue to be under constant review. Apart from Development Contributions and outside funding initiatives, this is a ratepayer cost.

3. Name 2-3 specific HDC projects, policies or spends over the past three years with which you personally disagree.

I did not support granting voting rights to Youth Council members with remuneration. In saying that I acknowledge our youth council is made up of great young people and I welcome their contribution time and commitment they share with Council.

I did not support a significant Private Public Partnership Gant to a commercial developer to assist his development in Central Hastings.. that did not meet my threshold in these hard financial times. This was PX item and may still have that privilege.

4. Should residential water metering be introduced in the Hastings District?

I believe water metering will happen in Hastings in the future. Metering will create a much greater focus on water value, reduce water consumption as consumers will pay for what they use. That’s a great incentive to reduce water use.

5. Do you believe councils’ rates should be ‘capped’ by legislation?

No.. but there could be a good argument to look at capping spending on Non core Council spending.

6. Do you personally support retaining Māori seats at your council table?

I have been fortunate to see a good contribution around the council table from Maori elected in General Wards and Maori elected this term in Maori Wards.. Its not a big issue for myself and support whatever the referendum result will be. M personal preference leans toward Maori elected in General Wards.

7. Does Hawke’s Bay need five councils, or do you support amalgamation, in any form?

In theory I believe a Hastings Napier amalgamation would make sense but can’t see that happening in the foreseeable future unless forced by Central Government. What is pleasing is more joint collaboration between our Hawke’s Bay Councils.

8. Would you support Councils appointing an independent “Hawke’s Bay Auditor General” to monitor councils’ spending and programme performance?

Yes.