Together Tairāwhiti – where we all thrive!

I will lead a council that’s accountable to our community,
where we do the basics well to enable everyone to live
the lives they deserve.

We will get there through:

1 EXPERIENCED, STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

  • Put people first in all my decisions.
  • Be your voice. I work for and alongside you.
  • Have clear accountability from our staff.
  • Bring new councillor group together and up to speed.
  • Remain staunch national advocate for region.
  • Get best possible deal for Tairawhiti in major government reforms.
  • Be financially responsible and transparent.
  • Keep rates affordability front of mind.

2 CLIMATE CHANGE, ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION

Focus and invest in Regional Climate Leadership

  • Finalise and implement actions to achieve net-zero 2030. Accelerate Tairawhiti Climate Change Risk Assessment and allocate funding.

Future-proof region from flooding

  • Fast-track flood protection infrastructure. Complete Waipaoa River works.
  • Build resilience, readiness and responsiveness for future natural emergencies.

Work towards being a zero-waste region.

  • Investigate and implement clever, sustainable ways to minimise waste and improve recycling.

Secure our supply of water.

  • For drinking, agriculture and business.

3 SMART INFRASTRUCTURE

Future-proof our transport network to support our unique lifestyle, business and tourism.

  • Include all transport options (roads, rail, air, sea, walking and cycling).
  • Lobby Government and Waka Kotahi for better, appropriate investment into our roading network.

Work alongside industry, iwi, businesses and Government to address housing crisis.

  • Support housing developments with appropriate infrastructure.

Major focus on modernising our District and Regional Plans to provide fit-for-purpose rulebook

  • Have “common sense” rules to protect our people and environment, and to meet our needs today and in the future.
  • Make it easy to do business with Council.