Key Issues

Affordability

It is not sustainable to burden ratepayers with rate rises well above inflation.  Define affordability limits for core services based on the median household income in the area of benefit.  Strive to keep service costs below these limits through innovative solutions.   Commitment to reducing waste and unnecessary expenditure, and ensure development and financial contributions are collected.

Focus on outcomes and Council performance

Engage skilled staff and enable them to implement an outcome-focused, realistic and deliverable Long Term Plan.  Focus on a cost-effective and responsive delivery of the Plan.  Implement zero-based financial budgeting and robust asset menangement.  Streamline processes, set targets, monitor progress and communicate results.  Commitment to better governance, oversight, and service delivery.

Empowered Local Communities and Community Boards

Local communities and Boards resourced and given responsibility to make governance decisions on matters specific to their community, involved in policy formation and identifying ways Council may better deliver services that affect them.  Local people creating local solutions to local problems.  A commitment to localism.

Vibrant Communities

In all Council does, give consideration to the wellbeing of all our people and communities.  Prioritise activity that enables communities to achieve their Community Plans, as these embody their wellbeing goals.  Encourage partnerships across all sectors - government, iwi/ hapu, and other service providers.  A whole of government approach, with local monitoring of outcomes.

Economic Development

Council can significantly impact the economy through local contracts, enabling policies, good spatial plans and supportive infrastructure that leads to business growth, lifts employment, and attracts new enterprises and people into our District. Council core business should also be conducted in a manner that creates local jobs and wealth in all our towns.   Let’s make it easier to do business in our District.

Housing

Housing and health are often related and are a major issue in our region.  Council, while not directly responsible for health, can have a major impact on good quality housing availability by partnering with central government and local housing providers.   We can ensure that development contributions and compliance costs are tailored to encourage housing development, especially in areas of greatest need.