Upper Hutt

Wayne Guppy, Upper Hutt mayor.

‘‘Former pharmacist who lectured at the Pharmacy School at the CIT. Wife Sue and I owned several community pharmacies in Upper Hutt. I offer proven leadership and experience.

‘‘I offer a local, a regional and a national voice. Under my leadership it has led to many developments and projects taking place in Upper Hutt.

‘‘The city is now getting maximum benefit from these developments. There are other large projects coming in the future, plus climate change and sustainability issues.

‘‘Upper Hutt needs an experienced proven leader to lead these projects. Upper Hutt has a clear choice in this mayoralty election.’’

‘‘The number one priority under my leadership has always been financial prudence and financial responsibility. Every decision council makes has a potential financial impact on the rates. Strong leadership is required to make sure that council continues that philosophy. I create a team to have that discipline.’’

‘‘Housing will take a team to address. We have established the Upper Hutt housing network. This group includes central government, local government, and community groups involved in the housing sector. Council must support local organisations. Also changing the District Plan will help with housing issues. Also develop a housing strategy.

‘‘Transport is important to Upper Hutt. We have local issues that are important to us – SH2, SH58. We are involved heavily and need to be involved in the regional approach to transport issues. A second Terrace tunnel, the Basin Reserve issue and a second Mt Victoria tunnel. Plus public transport.’’

Angela McLeod, 53, acting chief executive.

‘‘It is time to take Upper Hutt to new heights.

Action is needed to take our city 21st-century bound. We need to protect our environment, build our economy, empower our youth, and ensure transport solutions are effective, all while honouring our heritage and people.

‘‘I commit to leadership that will include the community; using my international/national leadership experience, proven facilitation, and natural collaborative style to drive Upper Hutt forward. I commit to unleashing our city’s uncapped potential; ensuring our community’s future. A vote for me shows belief in our community’s value and that we can do better.

‘‘It is my promise to endeavour to restrict rate increases to those already committed to in the longterm plan. If spending is needed on new initiatives, or priorities change, reprioritising spending will be done in order to achieve this.

‘‘We all need a warm, safe, and dry home. I promise to collaborate with the community, agencies, and developers to ensure this. Solutions to the housing crisis are complex and I will work with all stakeholders including those working with the homeless and market-leading developers to achieve a community-based solution.

‘‘I have strongly advocated for the double-tracking project from Trentham to Upper Hutt. I will continue to advocate at the Greater Wellington Regional Council to maintain efficient public transport and push for a review of the transport corridor from Upper Hutt to Wellington, the airport and hospital.’’

Steve Taylor, 37, Upper Hutt City councillor, studying EMBA.

‘‘My motivation is driven by my desire to provide a safe, connected and respected home for our children. A home that they are proud of. An affordable home that is resilient, with great amenities and an abundance of opportunity.

‘‘Upper Hutt is our home, and our children are our future. I will be a strong regional voice representing Upper Hutt. With challenges facing the Wellington region including transport, resilience and climate change risk mitigation, now is not the time to rest on our laurels.

‘‘We need proactive, energetic and strategic leadership to deliver a

secure future for the Wellington region.

‘‘The reality is our rates need to increase. The challenge is how to balance the necessary strategic investment essential to our city, providing resilient infrastructure, seismic strengthening and improving amenities, but still maintain rates affordability. Consequently, our immediate focus must be on delivering current proposed projects, before beginning new ones.

‘‘Encouraging residential apartment developments around the city centre is our largest untapped potential. Intensification requires using incentives that stimulate better use of scarce land and existing infrastructure. Lot sizes should be driven by good urban design, not cumbersome regulations. I will pursue building upwards alongside freeing up land for housing.

‘‘We are reliant on SH2 for our connectivity to the region. We need Melling upgraded and must not wait for a fatality for Riverstone to get improved. With Transmission Gully coming online next year, SH58 needs a four-lane upgrade to improve regional resilience, not just short-term safety measures.’’