I have worked at the grassroots level in the Kirikiriroa Hamilton community for many years. I have extensive research and governance experience and currently serve on several boards, including Trust Waikato. I completed my PhD in organisational studies at the University of Waikato.
I’ve been working with and alongside the community for the last two decades. I’ve advocated to Council on various issues including poverty, housing, climate change, a cleaner Lake Rotoroa and safe routes to school. The decisions that Council makes have a profound impact on the wellbeing of our communities. I have the leadership, governance, research, relationships and decisions making skills to contribute to effective governance for our city.
Improving community wellbeing, including ensuring secure, warm housing for all of us, creating community connection and relationships, and enhancing access to services and facilities including parks and nature are some of the most critical challenges facing our city.
I am running as an independent candidate, and I’m not currently endorsed by any political party.
There is a clear need to upgrade, and better manage, our three waters infrastructure (stormwater, wastewater, drinking water) across the country, particularly in the face of a growing population and a changing climate. Independent expert technical studies have shown that the Three Water Reforms will provide:
– improved quality, reliability, safety, and environmental sustainability of the 3 waters
– improved affordability for all; especially the more rural communities
– improved financial stability and flexibility; e.g. better able to resource the infrastructure improvements required; better able to fund and acquire and manage debt; able to spread the financial burden across many years and generations rather than everyone footing the bill now
– technical efficiency gains with the integration of the services and the integration of communities, regions, and catchments
– access to, and use of, water expertise around the country: scientists, engineers, planners (for all communities)
– cost savings for ratepayers – the government’s economic study projects $500 – $1000 per person lower cost than without the reform.
– safeguards against privatisation. Any divestment proposal would require 75% public approval in a poll.
Based on this, Three Waters appears to have a lot of benefits. At this time, I don’t see a reason to fully reject it. I am open to learning more about it and listening to the community’s concerns.
I support Māori wards. Māori wards are a step towards equity and fulfilling the promises made in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
co-governance has been a positive development for our river, as one example. Co-governance enables equity while improving kāwanatanga and supporting tino rangatiratanga.
It is vital that these relationships are strong. Local governance cannot achieve social, environmental, cultural and economic wellbeing without the support of central government.
No. However, I do think that the Council could partner better with community and community organisations to achieve some of our shared wellbeing goals and aspirations.
There is a lack of understanding about what Councils do and how they contribute to community wellbeing. The mainstream, national news media, focuses predominantly on the decisions made by the central government.
Not necessarily. Having experienced Councillors around the table with historical knowledge can be a very positive thing.
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