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?
Where do I stand on fertile soils – protect them, always. Though at times common sense must and should also be applied. The trick is to add a little salt to a dish at a time, not destroy it by adding too much.
2. HDC plans to spend $80 million over the next three years to improve water infrastructure? Is this appropriate and who should pay?
Local Waters Done Well. That was a government direction. Safe, reliable drinking water and storm water and waste water removal and proactive protection measures are core services, to provide these services costs. (funding will not all be via rates)
3. Name 2-3 specific HDC projects, policies or spends over the past three years with which you personally disagree.
Not a direct answer to your question… However Question everything, never stop learning. “Look Harder”- Rafikis. I would like to work towards a decrease where practicable in external consultants/contractor costs. https://baybuzz.co.nz/staffing-costs-at-hb-councils/ (ref) One thing I do not agree on I had to declare conflict so could not weigh in – so will not elaborate. Some things I may not personally agree with, though the benefit for the greater good or government direction places me in a situation where I must put my opinion to the side for the best outcome– though not usually quietly or without comment where appropriate.
4. Should residential water metering be introduced in the Hastings District?
Water meter and user pays – I’d like to see more information and modelling, before I give an opinion, I need details (not limited to but including) e.g. Will there be a “meter rental or pipe charge” added water bills like the daily charges on power bills? Will metres lead to decreased water wastage, therefore cost savings to households and water conservation. Etcetera.
5. Do you believe councils’ rates should be ‘capped’ by legislation?
Capping our rates – sure in theory HOWEVER unless central government will inject more money into local government alongside the legislation that they so lavishly pour onto council I’m unsure how this would work at all in reality. After government assertion or direction of, must do “core services” (YTBD) being provided has been obliged, the choices of what to cut, may leave a deeper wound than one expects.
6. Do you personally support retaining Māori seats at your council table?
Where do I stand on Maori Wards – pakihiwi ki te pakihiwi, taha ki taha – shoulder to shoulder, side by side.
7. Does Hawke’s Bay need five councils, or do you support amalgamation, in any form?
Amalgamation – maybe but that’s up to all of the rate payers to decide once a solid
methodology is presented.
8. Would you support Councils appointing an independent “Hawke’s Bay Auditor General” to monitor councils’ spending and programme performance?
An Auditor General appointment is an option. Though contractor/consultant efficiencies where practicable, finding additional cost savings everywhere practicable and greater efficiencies in all areas and then relooking at the books before such an appointment ever need be made would be my preference.
