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?
In my view, there’s no simple answer, but decisions must carefully balance the growing demand for housing and industrial development with the need to protect highly productive land. This land is vital for food security and underpins Hawke’s Bay’s horticultural sector, a major contributor to both the local and national economy. We need to be cautious about adding consumption while simultaneously removing productive capacity. Both priorities are important, and sustainable long-term planning is essential to ensure the region’s future resilience and prosperity.
2. HDC plans to spend $80 million over the next three years to improve water infrastructure? Is this appropriate and who should pay?
Reliable water infrastructure is critical to public health, environmental protection, and economic development. The proposed $80 million investment over three years appears appropriate to ensure safe drinking water, reduce system inefficiencies, and support future growth. However, funding should be allocated transparently and with a clear focus on value for money. I understand, many capital works contracts are due for renegotiation in the coming term, while I am not aware which contracts are up for renewal this presents an opportunity to identify efficiencies and potentially reduce costs, helping to manage the financial burden on the community.
3. Name 2-3 specific HDC projects, policies or spends over the past three years with which you personally disagree.
In my view Civic Square and the Water Museum appeared to be excessive spending at a time when rate increases were so high. There is no doubt that both represent significant aesthetic improvements, embody educational value, and hold historical importance, however, perhaps a long-term, staged approach would have been a more appropriate use of ratepayers’ money. Although, I am sure those around the table at the time had rationale, I am not privy too.
4. Should residential water metering be introduced in the Hastings District?
There’s clear evidence from other councils that water metering is an effective tool for managing supply, promoting awareness, supporting early leak detection, and encouraging responsible use. Without meters, residents lack insight into their consumption and have little incentive to conserve. Metering supports efficiency by motivating households to reduce waste and adopt water-saving habits. That said, in my view, a cost-benefit analysis should be the first step, ensuring any decision to introduce metering in the Hastings District is based on clear evidence and long-term value.
5. Do you believe councils’ rates should be ‘capped’ by legislation?
This is a complex issue, and in my opinion, there are strong arguments on both sides. While rate caps can offer financial relief to ratepayers and encourage greater fiscal discipline within councils, they may also limit a council’s ability to deliver essential services and lead to delays in critical infrastructure maintenance and repairs.
6. Do you personally support retaining Māori seats at your council table?
I don’t believe having a specific Māori Ward is a necessity, but public will have their say at the referendum and I will support whatever the community decide.
7. Does Hawke’s Bay need five councils, or do you support amalgamation, in any form?
While I believe there is a compelling case for amalgamation, any meaningful discussion must be grounded in a strong foundation, one in which councils are already operating effectively and with transparency. A staged approach may provide a pragmatic pathway forward.
8. Would you support Councils appointing an independent “Hawke’s Bay Auditor General” to monitor councils’ spending and programme performance?
No, based on the context available to me, I would not support it. My understanding is that a national audit is already conducted annually, and I do not believe that introducing additional layers, resource demands, or auditor fees is warranted.
