1. NCC plans to spend $701 million through to 2034 to improve water infrastructure. Is this appropriate and who should pay?
Much of the budgeted spend is in order to meet new compliance standards forced on councils by central government. These costs will no doubt be transferred to the new Water Services entity in the future. As with most things “user pays”.
2. Does Napier need a new aquatic centre? If so, where?
The Onekawa Aquatic Centre has been band aided to hopefully see it through another 7-10 years. We need an aquatic centre but in what form is the million dollar question. Aquatic needs have changed in the 10 + years this has been debated. We need a regional needs assessment and a regional strategy for Aquatic provision into the future. Once we know the need then we can decide on location.
3. Do you support NCC continuing to dump partially treated wastewater into Hawke Bay?
No. There are better solutions to this problem. Look at world leading research and make the right decision into the future.
4. Name 2-3 specific NCC projects, policies or spends over the past three years with which you personally disagree.
When it was announced that the internal structure of NCC was to be reviewed I did not agree with the low level of savings accepted by the council. I believed there could be greater efficiencies and savings for the rate payer.
5. Do you support building homes in these two areas – Riverbend Road, Ahuriri Station?
Only when the appropriate mitigation has been done to eliminate risk from natural disaster/climate change. Just because these areas are in the FDS doesn’t mean they WILL be built on. If the risk cannot be mitigated: NO BUILD
6. Should residential water metering be introduced in Napier?
There is a difference between water metering and water charging.. I think water should be metered and a equitable solution found to charge.
7. Do you personally support retaining Māori seats at your council table?
I supported the establishment of Maori Wards for the 2025 Local Body elections in Napier. Central Govt has forced a referendum on the matter. Its is no longer a Council decision. Its like you asking me who I will vote for the 2026 General Election.
8. Do you believe councils’ rates should be ‘capped’ by legislation?
No. How would you establish the cap? Every council has different starting points. Different levels of indebtedness. CPI is not the appropriate measure, those indicators are not necessarily relevant to Council costs.
9. Does Hawke’s Bay need five councils, or do you support amalgamation, in any form?
Each council has its role and is responsible for its community of interest. A greater emphasis on shared services is what is needed and should be a priority for any new council.
10. Would you support Councils appointing an independent “Hawke’s Bay Auditor General” to monitor councils’ spending and programme performance?
No. Not necessary. The Auditor General has the power to act if required. Just another layer of bureaucracy and a cost to councils. CouncilMark is a tool for measuring council performance.
