Doing it for the people
Turangi-Tongariro ward residents will have the chance to vote for a new community board member and a new councillor from September 14 to October 6.
When John Tupara thinks of Turangi, he thinks of the town’s people and how they influence the place.
Wanting to express their views, opinions and issues is one of the main reasons Tupara is running for the Turangi-Tongariro Community Board.
‘‘I see, listen, talk to and work with the young and older members of this community,’’ he said. ‘‘ Their needs are very basic but similar.’’
Tupara believes there are questions in the community that could possibly be answered if he is elected for the community board.
‘‘The questions in my mind are; what are the blocks to make improvements for themselves?,’’ he said.
‘‘Are their voices not heard, swallowed up by bureaucracy and classified as ‘‘clutter’’ or, developments in and around this community are given priority over the people who live here all in the name of economic growth?
‘‘I have no problem with economic growth but not at the expense of locals.
Tupara has dabbled in government, forestry, rural fire with Department of Conservation, management, and working with iwi.
While Tupara lives in Taupo, his work is in Turangi and he believes the town has so much potential that is being missed out on.
‘‘People are the economic growth. They are the ones to prepare and project Turangi forward. I’ve heard, I’ve seen, I’ve felt, and I have lived here. I wish to carry their voices to another level.’’
What Tupara believes needs to happen, is to turn the power triangle – where the professionals are on the top - upside down.
‘‘The people should be the drivers, work as one entity to effect change,’’ he said.
Although Tupara has no previous background in council, he aims to bring an open mind, no baggage, and a willingness to engage.
If elected, Tupara will pursue family self sufficiency and more opportunities.