Why I’m running for Mayor

Effective local government is critical for South Wairarapa. This year’s election will result in a Mayor and Council who will determine many aspects of our future for years to come, and who need to do this through strong partnerships with the multiple stakeholders.

We have reached a point where experienced leadership is urgently needed. For me this is not a career move. As Mayor you can’t practise on the job - it’s my way of giving back to the community which I love and where I choose to live.

Local government elected politicians are “public servants” in the truest sense of the phrase. They need to take soundings, listen to and understand the different - and sometimes conflicting - views of many in the community, then make informed but often difficult choices.

South Wairarapa needs a Mayor and Council who can work this way with residents and who are also able to make the difficult decisions in a timely way.

The recent rises in rates have been tough for all, but have particularly impacted low-income families and retirees on fixed incomes. Although the Council has changed some of the formula for applying rates in recent decisions within its Long Term Plan, the increase in rates over the last few years is in itself a symptom of other issues. Long-delayed infrastructure, in particular, is a major cause and will continue to be a challenge for the foreseeable future.

It is simply not credible to promise low rates increases at a time when infrastructure is crashing under the weight of decades of neglect. These big, gnarly problems can’t be fixed by political slogans - they need careful analysis and decisions - and significant community engagement.

My promise is to

• lead a Council making timely decisions for the good of the whole of South Wairarapa;

• make the hard calls in a sensible and transparent way;

• work closely with community groups, iwi and business - any people willing to come together for the wider good;

• seek solutions appropriate for a sparsely populated area;

• collaborate closely with neighbouring councils on region-wide issues;

• use my experience and relationships, as well as my voice as an independent, to make our case in central government forums.

I have a track record of getting things done and want to start a South Wairarapa partnership for action.