Zane Cozens puts Turangi first
After coming to Turangi 25 years ago Zane Cozens has embraced the small New Zealand town that embraced him.
Standing as a councillor for the last three years Cozens has again put his hand up to represent Turangi and ensure the town is not forgotten by the Taupo council.
‘‘Turangi pays 19.8 per cent of the district’s rates and we have to ask if we are getting our share of that investment,’’ Cozens said.
‘‘I want to make sure Turangi gets a fair deal.’’
Cozens said there is a noticeable difference in the spending within the smaller towns that make up the council.
‘‘When you take a helicopter view of Turangi all the councilowned roofs are rusted,’’ he said. ‘‘In Taupo they are brand new.’’
Cozens has been a vocal member in council chambers and quick to speak up on agenda items he feels are not in the best interest of the community.
During the next trimester Cozens wants to see the rating system reviewed, a reduction of council debt and the completion of the Turangi Town Centre feasibility study by an independent representative.
‘‘I have never seen the town so united behind a feasibility study done and it is vital for Turangi’s future,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s been pushed into the corner at the moment.’’
On council debt Cozens said council still does not have a handle on its debt.
‘‘We are still one of the most indebted councils in the country,’’ he said.
‘‘I would also like to see a change in the way we rate. ‘‘I want it to be fair and equitable.’’
Having completed three years on council Cozens said he has learned much but hopes to achieve more in the last trimester.
‘‘It takes you a while to sort out how council works, and just when you get to the end when you really start to see how it all works properly,’’ he said.
Cozens said his highlight from the last three years in council was assisting with the Stan Walker concert and the 50th Jubilee.
‘‘I won’t be taking any credit away from all the hard working people who worked on that but what an accomplishment,’’ he said.
‘‘Having Stan Walker was a good achievement and being recognised with a national award was huge.’’