1. NCC plans to spend $701 million through to 2034 to improve water infrastructure. Is this appropriate and who should pay?

If the infrastructure’s outdated, then $78m per year is appropriate. But Napier should be working with Hastings — especially on wastewater systems, reconstituting the waste and re- using it for irrigation. Funding needs to be budgeted across both local councils and central government, and any spending should stay within what we can afford, so rates don’t rise faster than inflation.

2. Does Napier need a new aquatic center ? If so, where?

A decision like this needs solid evidence on both need and cost. I’d take the time to dig into the facts and listen to the community before backing any proposal.

3. Do you support NCC continuing to dump partially treated wastewater into Hawke Bay?

At present the water is within the resource consent standards, but we can do better. We should lift the standard as high as possible and focus on reusing water instead of dumping it.

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

• The new library and civic centre—there were better alternatives.
• Speed bumps—fine outside schools, but not everywhere else.
• Cathedral lane one-way system—unnecessary and reconfigured twice.

5. Do you support building homes in these two areas – Riverbend Road, Ahuriri Station?

Yes—provided the land is safe and won’t flood in a 1-in-500-year event.

6. Should residential water metering be introduced in Napier?

Yes—water meters should be introduced alongside the infrastructure upgrades.

7. Do you personally support retaining Māori seats at your council table?

I respect that the decision on Māori seats is a democratic one for the community to make. Personally, I believe the council should focus on ensuring the best people are elected to represent everyone in Napier.

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

Yes. Rates should be carefully managed to ensure they don’t rise faster than inflation. This helps households plan their budgets and keeps local services affordable while still funding essential infrastructure.

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

We don’t need five separate councils. Napier and Hastings should work together on major infrastructure projects where it makes sense.

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

Yes—I support an independent Hawke’s Bay Auditor General, along with standard
performance indicators to track council spending and project outcomes.