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 don’t believe the balance has always been right. Hastings sits on some of the most productive soils in New Zealand, and once they’re lost to housing or industrial development, they’re gone forever. Growth must be managed smartly, intensifying existing urban areas, building upwards where appropriate, and ensuring industrial zones are located on less productive land. I support the National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Land, and I’ll push for strong protections at the council table.

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

Investing in water is essential, it underpins housing, industry, horticulture, and community wellbeing. $80 million is a significant figure, but the focus must be on projects that secure long-term resilience: safe drinking water, stormwater improvements, and storage solutions we need to be prepared for the future. Ratepayers shouldn’t carry this burden alone, central government and industry partners also need to contribute where they directly benefit.

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

• Splash Plant operating overspend, a $1.1m deficit for future generations
  must repay. It’s a great community asset but needs better financial
  management.
• The Frimley Pool – with ratepayer contributions reaching $39.44 per visit
  in 2022/23 when only 5,600 visits were recorded, the facility was
  unsustainable.
• Ratepayers have endured steep increases: 19 % in 2024–25, followed by
  15 % in 2025–26, and further multi-percentage rises over subsequent
  years. The council’s borrowing stands at about 250% of its revenue,
  close to its legal limit of 280%. Projections indicate borrowing could
  exceed that by 2030 without changes. Cyclone Gabriel has had an
  impact on this, but we are at our limit and must make changes to reduce
  borrowing costs and burden on rate payers.

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

I support introducing residential water metering. It’s the fairest way to encourage conservation and understand our water usage. But it must be paired with robust community engagement and protections for low-use households. Understanding how much we use will be important for the future.

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

Yes, I support a blunt legislative cap as rate payers are struggling to pay the rates currently. Councils will need to respond to the economic realities and tighter financial discipline, transparency, and require councils to prioritise core services over discretionary spending as the economy struggles with raising cost and inflation.

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

Personally, yes. Ultimately, retaining these seats will come down to voters’ support. These seats ensure Tangata whenua have a direct voice at the table, helping us make better decisions for our shared future, and faster outcomes.

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

I support exploring smarter regional models, like shared services, provided they strengthen local voice and improve efficiency.

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

Ratepayers deserve confidence that their money is being spent wisely. An independent regional watchdog would improve accountability, however I understand auditing is already implemented, and duplication won’t help efficiency.