UPCOMING ELECTIONS

Nominations have been called for the forthcoming Council elections. This is your triennial chance to question the decision making, accountability and governance skills of current Councillors. Likewise the opportunity for those in our community who are willing, have the time and governance experience to put themselves forward for election.

In the interests of a healthy democracy current Councillors expect to be challenged. Have they been listening to those they represent? Are they speaking at the Council table on your behalf? Are they balancing the reports and recommendations from Council management with the opinions and expectations of the ratepayers and residents?

The Taupo Residents Group (TRG) in acknowledging the good work of the current Council, as confirmed in the Long Term Plan document, see the next three years just as challenging.

It is not just the mountains of paper to read containing routine monthly reports and staff recommendations that will require your attention and decisions. Issues vital to the growth, vibrancy and character of Taupo in the years ahead will be on your shoulders.

The committee of the Taupo Residents Group will not be endorsing candidates but will take an active role to encourage those with experience to put themselves forward to represent the ratepayers of our town.

Among the issues we see ahead for the new Council include the need for greater transparency of Council business and the need to be seen to put the voice of the people into the consultation process.

To consult is one thing, to have listened and expressed and debated submitted requests is another!!

What to do with the investment returns from the TEL fund and should the next ten-year plan process review the retention of this fund at its current level. The signalled use of the TEL fund revenue for Community Interests. Local body elections are a chance to have your say.

What is this to be and how decided or in fact should the TEL fund, or some of it, be used to lesson financial risk management.

A debate around fresh water, not only its ownership and management, but how best to rate existing users and new schemes as required. Should we have an all-inclusive District rate or should each scheme be rated according to its capital requirement and operational costs.

Just some of the issues to face the new Councillors. TRG calls for candidates who are not only willing but have the governance skills to understand the responsibilities of being a representative of the community, to understand how Local Government works and governance, management relationships.

With such skills on board our Council team should be one that all Taupo can look forward to a prosperous future!!

TRG implores all residents and absentee ratepayers to enrol and vote Taupo an experienced Governance team.

PASSIVE COSTS

While I applaud Kim Feldborg for his innovative and well insulated passive Kinloch house, the cost remains a problem.

At around $2,200 / sqm the total spend for his 256 sqm house is $563,200, which is $217,600 more than if he built a Thermahome poly panel house (at $1350/ sqm) (or $102,400 more than an average