1. CHB Council has just reviewed its spending plans for improving the district’s water infrastructure, deferring some projects considerably. Do you support this approach even if it delays important improvements?

We are cognisant that Local Water Done Well does not deliver the affordability outcomes for our connected ratepayers. While we need $200million investment in our three waters, 4500 connected ratepayers cannot simply afford it. Projected water rates of $7000 in 2034 is too much, we knew that and heard it loud and clear in our community conversations. This doesn’t mean we don’t need the investment we just need to slow and rephase so the rating impact is lessened.

Unfortunately, if adopted, it means that ratepayers will experience more freshwater leaks and treated wastewater going into the rivers for longer. This is extremely unfortunate and does not deliver on the Councils and Community’s 2021 aspirations to get treated wastewater out of our awa. There will be absolutely no compromise on safe drinking water.

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

The beauty of council is that it brings different thoughts and views around a table to make a decision on what is best for the Community the elected representatives serve. It is likely and healthy that we will never all agree- we should bring different perspectives, the important thing is that we bring the perspectives of our community – we are there to serve CHB after all.

I unashamedly was always a supporter of three water reform, although imperfect, I could see it delivered for a small district like ours. I did not agree and voted against, CHBDC joining the anti 3waters movement of C4LD.

 
3. Do you support construction of the ‘new’ Ruataniwha Dam? Do you believe Council should invest ratepayer funds in it?

As a rural community, we know that water security is a priority — our farms, households, and economy all depend on it.

Our rates are already stretched to cover the essential infrastructure we urgently need. Adding the financial burden of a large-scale project like this would simply be unaffordable for our community. It would be irresponsible to commit ratepayer funds.

4. CHB seems on its way to becoming Hawke’s Bay’s solar capital. Do you support that development?

Unlike fossil fuel the power of sun is limitless – I certainly support renewable energy if environmental and land-use impacts are well managed.  

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

I think we all agree that rates cannot continue to go up. The funding and financing tools for Councils are limited and the system is broken. CHBC was part of the LGNZ review to Central Government that suggested ways to better fund local government – unfortunately the report was dismissed by the current Government.

I have done extensive reading on the topic and whilst rate capping may seem the answer in the short term it can result in deferring much needed investment – not dissimilar to where we are today. Mayors and Councilors were elected on the promise of keeping rate increases low – therefore investment was deferred. There
must be a better way.
 
6. Do you personally support retaining Māori seats at your council table?

I strongly support Māori Wards. I am heartened by the number of councils that had Māori wards and voted unanimously to retain them in the recent representation review. HB Regional Council and Hastings being amongst them. To me, that speaks volumes — these councils clearly see the value in ensuring a te ao Māori perspective is represented at the decision-making table.

Here in Central Hawke’s Bay, we have seen first-hand the benefits of working in genuine partnership with Mana Whenua — from our District Plan process to the second water supply discussions. Equally, we have seen the downsides of not engaging early.

There are extreme views on both sides. We are not to blame for the mistakes of past generations, but we do have the opportunity — and responsibility — to be part of the solution.

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

I supported amalgamation when it was last raised. Since then Hawke’s Bay Councils have continued to work closely together CHB shares services in several areas such as IT and Payroll. Like a lot of people I would be concerned that we would lose our community voice, however if there was a significant cost savings and CHB was well represented and our uniqueness recognized I may consider it. Of course, this would not be a decision of council but of our CHB Community.
 
8. Would you support Councils appointing an independent “Hawke’s Bay Auditor General” to monitor councils’ spending and programme performance?

Council already spends a significant amount of money on auditing. We are answerable to our community and produce annual plans, quarterly reports and a significant number of other monitoring reports which are all available. External funding goes through rigorous auditing processes by Government Departments. I don’t believe that an additional level of auditing is required or the cost of such justified.