1. $701 million water infrastructure spend to 2034 – appropriate and who should pay?

Yes, our whānau deserve safe drinking water and resilient infrastructure. But every dollar must be staged, tracked, and reported transparently (Controller and Auditor-General, 2022). Funding should be shared fairly between ratepayers, central government, and targeted grants or funding avenues so households aren’t carrying the full load.

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

Yes , but only if it meets real community needs. The location must be accessible by public transport and close to schools and whānau. We should future-proof it with energy-efficient design and explore partnerships to lower operating costs (Sport NZ Facility Guidelines, 2023).

3. Support NCC continuing to dump partially treated wastewater into Hawke Bay?

No, our moana is not a dumping ground. We need a transition plan with a firm end date, investment in advanced treatment systems, and solutions guided by mana whenua values (NZ Coastal Policy Statement, 2010).

4. 2–3 NCC projects/policies/spends you disagree with in the past three years:

• Committing to projects without genuine hapū engagement.
• Accepting cost blowouts on infrastructure without clear public accountability.
• Prioritising non-essential capital works ahead of water security investment, while failing to take stronger action under the Gambling Act 2003 and the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 to reduce the social harm caused by pokie machines and the oversupply of alcohol outlets, particularly in our most vulnerable communities.

5. Support building homes – Riverbend Road, Ahuriri Station?

Yes, if it means affordable, resilient housing with green spaces and strong infrastructure, and if mana whenua are engaged as genuine partners from the outset (Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 principles).

6. Should residential water metering be introduced?

Support for monitoring and leak detection, not as a revenue-raising tool. Metering must be part of a wider conservation strategy with protections for vulnerable households (Department of Internal Affairs, 2022).

7. Support retaining Māori seats?

Absolutely. Māori wards provide voice for Māori, give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and strengthen decision-making for everyone (Local Electoral Act 2001, s19Z).

8. Should rates be capped by legislation?

No hard caps, they can cripple essential services. Instead, enforce transparency, independent budget review, and robust public consultation before any significant increases (OAG, 2021).

9. Five councils or amalgamation?

I support shared services and joint procurement to save money without losing local voices. Amalgamation should only proceed if there is a clear community mandate (Local Government Act 2002, s14).

10. Support a “Hawke’s Bay Auditor General”?

Yes: independent oversight would improve value for money, strengthen accountability, and restore public trust (OAG, 2023).