VERONICA PITT

solutions, and the need for safety and appropriate infrastructure.

“I would also be interested in reviewing possibilities for council to be involved in subsidised housing provision. Where this is not practical, advocating for other providers to develop housing here is the next option.

“Being on top of the current changes to the health system, which prioritise local provision of services and ensuring that the council is well placed to provide strong advocacy to

Health NZ and the Ma¯ori Health Authority for the services that are needed here.

“Working closely with Horizons Regional Council and central government agencies to develop and support plans for increased public transport within the Horowhenua as well as connections to the rest of the country.

“I would support more regular trains, preferably with electrification of the line through to Palmerston North and investigating the viability of more regular bus or shuttle services between Horowhenua towns and smaller communities.

“I support the expressway plans in general as it makes the roads safer, and easier to get around local communities with less traffic on the main streets.

“Council plays an important role in sharing current, up-todate, reliable information to the community and coordinating support services, working with iwi and other agencies to ensure that there is easy access to vaccinations, tests, and care support such as welfare checks or food dropoff where these are needed, providing spaces within our communities to ensure these activities can occur.”