1. Do you support the flood diversion scheme for North Clyde recommended by Crown Manager Lawrence Yule, the Regional Council and current Wairoa Council?

Yes I do, I have been very impressed by the work done by Lawrence Yule to get a workable solution signed off by the government. This flood mitigation scheme is critical to the survival of Wairoa. Without it all impacted private houses and businesses will remain in category 3, this will see over 200 houses and the businesses that employ approximately 1000 people unable to be insured. The people of Wairoa who were impacted need a solution that gives them confidence that they are safe in the future

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

As a councilor involved in the debate and decision making over the last 3 years I stand by the decisions of the WDC. The responsibility is on me to convince those
around the table to make the best decision for Wairoa. Some of the hardest decisions or spends are imposed upon the WDC by central government, for example there are aspects of the building code, earthquake strengthening requirements, water regulations or RMA which are huge impediments to growth and cause a high level of ratepayer frustration.

3. What Council spending or other initiatives would you support to improve Wairoa’s economic well-being?

Wairoa has huge untapped potential due to its productive land, people, water security and unique climate. The barriers to that potential are the unreliable transport infrastructure that puts off potential investors. The WDC needs to continue to push hard for resilience infrastructure networks from the Tairawhiti to Napier. This will open the whole Coast to investment, which will be a massive game changer. Another area will be pushing the government to provide financial assistance to support the adherence to 3 waters regulation. This will be in central government’s interest because they will no longer be able to blame councils on the cost of water delivery infrastructure. They will be driving the water regulation standard and responsible for the water rates that we will pay.

4. Unlike Napier, Hastings and CHB Councils (who are forming a joint water entity), Wairoa Council has decided to ‘go it alone’ with respect to delivering water services. Do you agree?

Yes I do. This was not a decision taken lightly. It was made based on public feedback and independent advice. The decision ensures the Wairoa community maintain control of their water assets and also provides flexibility to see who is performing best in this area and look to possibly align with them in the future if that is beneficial to Wairoa. It also ensures we can look after ourselves if we are isolated again by natural disaster. This was a key lesson from Gabriel, we must have the capability and skills in Wairoa to look after ourselves. This was not a long term guarantee under a regional entity.

5. Most WDC debt relates to the need to maintain and improve its water assets, with significant improvement required. Should WDC step up its borrowing to make these improvements?

As per our annual plan and long-term plan we have an agreed program of works that will ensure that our infrastructure is fit for purpose. Our independent audit reports on our annual and long-term plans confirm that we have a sensible and affordable approach. This forward work is best paid for through borrowing from the LGFA fund at below market rates, as this allows us to disperse the cost of the project across a longer timespan ensuring the costs and benefits and shared by current and future users. It should also be noted that the WDC has managed its debt prudently and we have enough headroom to borrow in the event of future shocks such as another natural disaster. I do not see that debt headroom as a license to borrow and spend on frivolous projects.

6. WDC current policy aims to limit rate increases to 5%. But this assumed WDC joined a regional water services entity, off-loading current debt and borrowing costs, which it has now declined to do (as noted above). Do you believe WDC rate increases can be kept to 5%? How?

Wairoa District Council rates as per this year’s annual plan will not go up because we declined to join a regional water services entity. Water rates will be set by the independent water service delivery organisation. Wairoa District rates and water rates are two separate rates and will be set independently of each other. WDC rates are set at 5% as per the annual plan for 25/26. The key contributor to the rate rises over the last three years was Cyclone Gabriel and the avoidable June 2024 flood. The reason we were able to set a 5% rate for this financial year was due to the work of the Wairoa District Council to engage with central government and receive approximately $90m dollars to repair the flood damage caused. This does not include the $70m for the flood mitigation solution. The key mitigation to any rates increase beyond 25/26 is the work the WDC has done to advocate strongly to receive these grants, this reduces the rates burden to recover from Cyclone Gabriel and the June 2024 Floods

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

Councils should always be looking at ways to reduce costs and get better outcomes. I am always conscious that any decision to spend money should be made knowing that rate payers have contributed and they expect value for money. Rates capping would increase focus on spending but could also see a reduction in service levels, such as reserve maintenance, road repairs and dog control. In the end any significant changes in service or expenditure needs to be consulted on with the public before a decision is made. That is how the ratepayers keep us accountable as well as having the opportunity to influence the decisions made.

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

No, Hawkes Bay does not need five councils. I don’t think that its beneficial to amalgamate all four territorial authorities as this would reduce accountability and run the real risk that the smaller councils like Wairoa and CHB lose their voice and ability to decide what is best for their communities. The amalgamation of NCC and HDC would appear to be a more natural fit and have great cost savings for their rate payers. But that is for them to decide. I struggle to see the value of the HBRC and I know a lot of people in Wairoa question its value and role. I believe that WDC can apply the RMA within its district boundaries in a more cost effective, transparent and practical manner.

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

Sounds like another well-paid consultant being paid to do a job that is already being done, with all well-meaning care no actual responsibility. Councils are already independently audited annually with audit reports provided, the annual audit report provides an unbiased review of spending, performance achievement, and adherence to the Local Government Act.