VICTORIA KAYE-SIMMONS
Victoria Kaye-Simmons is focussing on the mayoralty this election, having served multiple terms as a district councillor.
“I've successfully been serving my community for 12 years, it's time to to run for the mayoralty. I'm all about being inclusive and I'm pleased to see the diversity of individuals that have put their hand up to lead and advocate for our district. I'm a successful business owner of 27 years and have held many roles regarding committee structures including being the chair at a national and local level.
“I support water reforms, this has been talked about for years and now we are witnessing the pros/cons of what this may or may not look like. Communication needs to remain open with local bodies and enable feedback from communities. I support the working group who continue to engage with Ministers and the like.
“The way it's been portrayed and reported on at all levels is unfortunate. If there is a realistic way of ensuring ownership including future funding of our three waters at a local level, then let's find out what that looks like.
“We consulted on early closure dates for the landfill late last year. I voted in favour of early closure 2022 in November and again in April this year. While we had 150 submitters, one of those submissions represented 13 hapu which is an acknowledgment of a large number of people (estimated 2000-3000).
“Ministry for the Environment are making changes regarding waste to landfills. One of the changes will be to remove kai waste and green waste from landfills - this currently makes up almost 50 per cent of household waste. Also removing building waste and having clean fill waste drop off points.
“A Complete 360 review of our solid waste (which is coming up) will then enable the very possibility of a resource recovery centre where upcycling, recycling, repurpose and rot all become part of a far better environmental, sustainable footprint that's better for people/planet and create jobs for individuals who have the passion to ensure the success of this community opportunity.
“We need more housing. Relaxation for building rules have been a first step. Then it's extremely important for council to advocate strongly for everyone in the building game to continue to collaborate and work together along with government, developers, community housing providers, ministry for housing and urban development to provide more housing in our area which will free up other properties and hopefully first home buyers and long term renters get real relief on what they are currently forced to pay. (An example, social housing should not exceed 25 per cent of their income.) Housing was an issue discussed at a 2011 Local Government conference where the reality of a housing shortage was real and everyone including councils needing to start doing something even prior to 2011.
“Council needs to be strongly advocating and be part of discussions regarding more and better health services in Horowhenua. Work is already happening in the sector at a
high level where information is shared and data on what our needs and issues are - definitely work in progress.
‘‘When it comes to public transport this is another area for strong advocacy alongside fellow Horizons Regional councillors who this work sits under and is part of the rate take to Horizons.
“They regularly attend our Older Persons Network Hui and get feedback and use some of our stakeholders to work alongside for change, access and alternative options. Great news recently about the capital connection getting an upgrade hopefully this will then follow with increased trips from Palmy through to Wellington daily.
“I have fully supported the expressway from day one. I also took the opportunity to write directly to the Minister for Transport Michael Wood, cced Minister Stuart Nash being economic development, Minister Grant Robertson as infrastructure and finance and our local MP who has been a staunch advocate for our district/ regional aspirations.
“Back in 2018 I was making regular visits to the Beehive to meet and greet politicians to ensure the importance of the O¯ taki to North Levin and the economic benefits, not just for our district but further afield across our region was recognised and acknowledged. As a community we have all learnt a lot through this worldwide pandemic. As a community we all came together, Iwi, council, organisations, volunteers, especially our health services who were training and helping with vaccination centres and providing free rat tests. This enabled services to continue and reaching out to families and individuals was occurring. Our entire community should be extremely proud of how they planned and implemented the entire process. I personally believe we as a district are well equipped to manage a similar crisis in the future.''
Nga mihi Cr Victoria