Cleaning waterways candidates’ top pitch
The dire state of Manawatu¯ ’s waterways was a common theme for Horizons Regional Council byelection candidates.
Five candidates spoke at the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre on Tuesday night, for the Palmerston North ward seat vacancy created by the sudden death of councillor Pat Kelly.
Jack Dowds talked about his accounting and economics experience, and his roles as Massey’s business school vicechancellor and chief executive of the South Wairarapa District Council.
He said water quality was the most significant issue facing the Manawatu¯ -Whanganui region.
‘‘The process of inspecting the dairy farm runoff is just not satisfactory. Regional authorities need to be the police . . . ,’’ Dowds said.
Economic development would be encouraged through the regional Accelerate 25 growth programme, he said, and public transport should also be looked into.
Former Palmerston North mayor and National list MP Jono Naylor said his experience would help regional economic development. As mayor, he was a signatory to the Manawatu¯ River Leaders Accord to help clean up the river and tributaries.
‘‘I’m keen to see our waterways be clean enough to swim in. Some are some of the time, but that’s not good enough. Nutrient and effluent runoff from farms is improving, but we need to do more.’’
Chris Teo-sherrell said the council did many good things, but there were big environmental problems that needed addressing, particularly through monitoring. Growing up on a farm, earning a PHD in ecology and agriculture and nine years on the Palmerston North City Council made him well qualified to tackle these issues, he said.
Ross Barber spoke first, having earlier in the day appeared in court on charges of threatening Horizons staff. He faces trial in September.
Grant Seton achieved some of the only half-hearted cheers of the night with mentions of striving for low rates.
Voting papers for a postal ballot will be sent out on August 30, with voting closing on September 21.