My record in office 2016-2022

For those of us standing for election, we should stand on our record whilst in office. Here are my achievements as a community board member both in National Park and Waimarino Waiouru.

• As a community board member, I initiated the political process for the park and ride in National Park.

• I presented a report to the council on waste minimisation, which was incorporated into the council’s zero waste strategy and brought about a memorandum of understanding with Horizons on the abatement of rubbish fires in the district.

• I proposed live streaming of our meetings.

• I advocated for greater transparency in the recording of our meetings to include voting and debate.

• I proposed increasing powers and responsibilities for our community boards and the enlargement of our boards to Taumarunui and Ohura. Proposals that have now come into effect.

• I proposed making the Maori Council a standing committee, and for those seeking our help, I proposed that community boards offer help and assistance to those making submissions, and give feedback on any actions taken by the council.
  
  And I worked with council library staff to make a subscription to the streaming service Beamfilm free with library membership.

Whilst all of these structural achievements are undoubtedly important to our district, the one issue that remains closest to my heart as an elected member on the Waimarino Waiouru Board was ensuring Raetihi, finally, after years of neglect and piecemeal repairs, got a new fit-for-purpose swimming pool.

I wrote countless letters to the editor, proposals to my board, and even complained to the Ombudsman about the secrecy and delay. Finally, over three years ago, the council came up with a thorough consultant's report that says Raetihi need a new pool.

The new council I’m standing for will be district-wide. We will need to look holistically at the needs of all our communities, whether they be Raetihi or any of our other townships. Our decision-making will need to be evidence-based. Right now the evidence says Raetihi needs a new pool.