MEET THE CANDIDATES
As part of our election coverage, The Dominion Post is profiling council candidates in the run-up to the election on October 12. All candidates were asked to provide a statement on why they are standing, and a response to an issue important to voters, identified by a Neighbourly poll. This week, we look at Greater Wellington Regional Council and ask the candidates: What is your policy for public transport?
Greater Wellington PO¯ NEKE/ WELLINGTON
Thomas Nash, 40, collaboration manager Green Party
‘‘The council needs culture change and new ideas. We should be leading by example as a nature capital of the world. Greater Wellington has committed to carbon neutrality by 2030 – a big job. I’ve got a track record of international success and the skills to build agreement around changes needed.
‘‘Regional standards for bus driver contracts ensuring a fair deal for drivers to end the driver shortage. A $6 express bus to the airport and eastern suburbs. Better co-ordination with WCC on bus priority. Fully electric public transport with faster replacement of diesel buses and swift decisions on light rail.’’
Bryce Pender, 50, taxi driver (photo
not supplied)
‘‘To fix the bus network and to bring forward a long-term transport vision; to invest correctly in roads of resilience; to implement an efficient, reliable and inexpensive region-wide bus, tram, train and road network; to ease congestion and make the city centre pedestrian, cyclist and public transport-friendly.
Sam Somers , 28
‘‘I am standing for regional council because we need more young representation on the council with me being 28, we also need to have an open and transparent meetings where you can see all meeting in live stream and have all votes publicly recorded.
‘‘Fix the buses with a plan, that you can see on my website, samsomers4gwrc.co.nz, along with removing some hub routes, a new high frequency spine from east to west via Newtown and Ghuznee Street, along with free weekend public transport from zone 1-3.’’
Daran Ponter, 51, public policy
adviser Labour
‘‘My immediate priority is fixing Wellington’s buses and getting bus lanes in place. I am committed to improving the public transport experience, lowering fares, and getting a 100 per cent electric bus fleet. Climate change action for the council and the region, water quality and resilience are key focus areas.
‘‘Fixing the buses. More services where people want to go to, no cancellations, getting rid of hubbing, lower fares, and better pay for bus drivers. More bus priority lanes and electric buses. Getting moving on Let’s Get Wellington Moving – particularly Mass Rapid Transit.’’
Helene Ritchie, Housing Trust manager, author
‘‘I can offer unique governance experience on over 21 diverse boards. Outspoken, collaborative, effective, my record demonstrates environmental and transport leadership – initiating Wellington’s nuclear-free declaration; founding Moa Point sewage campaign, protecting beaches, leading the Town Belt (Protection) Act 2016. My future focus is climate action, light rail, buses, clean environment.
‘‘Public transport, pivotal to wellbeing, is core to Wellington’s climate action. I will focus on reliable, affordable, frequent, non-polluting buses and trains; and examining the current bus contract(s). I want council to fast-forward light rail by leading requests for proposals worldwide, aiming to let contracts by 2022.’’
Anand Kochunny, 53, librarian ‘‘To change the culture at our council. Buses aren’t the problem; they are symptomatic of poor organisational culture which leads to flawed decision-making, resulting in perverse outcomes for Wellingtonians. Please visit my website at https://www. candidatekochunny.nz/ and Vote 1 for Anand Kochunny to make our council more responsive.
‘‘Work with stakeholders including bus drivers, passengers, GWRC officials, transport advocacy groups and councillors from Wellington City Council to create a better bus service. Renegotiate contracts with bus operators and work with them to find ways to pay drivers more. Progress work on the Let’s Get Wellington Moving front.’’
Philip O’Brien,
67, chartered accountant Wellington Party ‘‘My work commitments are now less, and so I have time to do something for Wellington. I am experienced in democratic organisations in the community and church as chairman, secretary trustee and auditor. I will take a strong interest in financial and other aspects of the GWRC.
‘‘I commute from Island Bay by bus most days for work. It takes longer than it used to on the previous buses. One reason is the longer time it takes to unload passengers from double-deckers. I collect notes about other routes. I want to improve the bus service.’’
Glenda Hughes, professional director and risk manager Wellington Party
‘‘I am a committed Wellingtonian, with extensive governance and management experience on charitable and sports boards, treaty settlements, and regulatory and complex commercial and government organisations. My work is in risk management identifying both public and commercial risks, how to mitigate them so projects and initiatives are implemented smoothly.
‘‘A transport network that works. Reduce congestion now, not in 30 years. Reliable bus and ferry networks. Safer more integrated cycling options. Expanded frequent rail services. Free trackless light rail on a pedestrianised Golden Mile. Finish State Highway 1 to the airport, an integrated public transport card. A collaborative approach.’’
Victoria Rhodes-Carlin, 21, tertiary
student
‘‘Wellington can be a connected, accessible and inclusive region, but our leadership needs to prioritise ambitious climate action, fair and accessible public transport, and community-driven policy. With a background in environmental science, youth development and project management, I am the fresh, progressive, and compassionate voice the regional council needs.
‘‘A fair and accessible system that includes fairer discounts for community service card holders, part-time students, and total mobility users. Drivers deserve pay above the living wage. We need integrated ticketing, direct buses to the airport, mass transit, and a review of PTOM. Putting accessibility, sustainability and fairness first.’’
David Lee, 53, WCC councillor, urban
planner
‘‘I’m stepping down as a Wellington City councillor after two terms, honouring my 2013 election promise to limit my time. And, I’ve got much more to offer and do – at a regional level. My priorities will be: fix the broken buses; climate adaptation and emissions reduction; clean up our waterways.
‘‘I will fix the broken bus system! This starts with ONE entity responsible for funding, delivery and operation of all public transport across the region. Similar to the Auckland Transport model. Not perfect – but it works. This will stop the blaming! Responsibly rests with one entity – one throat to choke.’’
Gavin Bruce, 63, sheep, beef and
wind farmer
‘‘I am standing to provide an urban rural link. The planting of natives on our regenerating hills is important to future proof our carbon footprint. Predator control, enhance water quality.
‘‘More bus lanes, better driver conditions. Solution-focused approach to regional and city councils working together for our region.’’
Tony De Lorenzo, 51, operation manager/business owner
‘‘I am standing for GWRC as I want to see public transport issues resolved, resilience and reliable water supply, sustainable environment management, action on climate change, and transparency in council decisions. Visibility leads to accountability of both financial and council actions. Let’s start taking responsible steps for a better Wellington.
‘‘My policy is for a world-class public transport system, flexible enough to meet changing needs as they arise, and built around active customer feedback. A fully-electric bus fleet, light rail, and mass transit systems to build infrastructure for the region. Public transport is key to getting Wellington moving.’’
Yvonne Legarth, bit over 55, planning consultant and business owner (no photo supplied)
‘‘My background is in policy development and planning. Good governance is important. Council’s policies and strategies must consider the needs of the whole community.
‘‘I value the ability to walk safely around our city and to use public transport, and that people have a full range of options for getting around. The bus system must be fixed, our water, estuaries and the coast cleaned up, and initiatives set up to adapt to climate change.’’
Troy Mihaka, 34, theatre front-of-house manager, Wellington Party
‘‘With a background in community engagement of almost 20 years, my aim is to ensure the community focus of the Wellington Regional Council. Wellington is a diverse and vibrant city and as a queer Ma¯ori, I believe council should represent all Wellingtonians.
‘‘Transport should be accessible for all. This includes a better-planned bus and rail system with integrated payment system, improvements to our existing roading system with cycleways integrated into their design, and the removal of personal cars from the entire Golden Mile, to enhance wellbeing for our residents.’’
Tony Jansen, operations manager ‘‘I am standing as an agent for change. GWRC has lost and needs to rebuild trust with the people of Poneke/Wellington. There are some critical decisions to be made in the near future. Wisely choosing our elected representatives has never been so important. Climate change and our community must underpin all transport decisions. Wellington needs a sustainable mass urban transit system, preferably light rail, in conjunction with incentives to reduce journeys by conventionally-powered vehicles. In a tight fiscal environment, we could explore tolling Transmission Gully to help pay for any adopted LGWM initiatives.’’
Roger Blakeley, 73, regional
councillor
‘‘I am a current councillor and want to lead action on: ‘Let’s Get Wellington Moving’, starting with walking, cycling and mass transit; climate change and council’s commitment to net-zero-carbon emissions by 2030; clean, safe water; protecting native species; and coping with disasters like earthquakes and sea level rise.
‘‘My first priority is fixing the buses. That means improving the routes with fewer hubs, and more direct services to the CBD. It also means fair wages and conditions for the drivers – $20/hour is not a fair wage for driving a bus around Wellington’s narrow, winding streets.’’
Lesleigh Salinger, art consultant/educator ‘‘Having chaired a residents’ association for six years, I have worked closely with WCC and GWRC liaising and lobbying on infrastructural issues which has given me a good overview of the roles of the two councils and the issues affecting the region. I have career-long leadership, planning and governance experience.
‘‘Short-term: stabilise routes and timetables; improve real-time information; introduce a new Airport Flyer. Medium-term: establish regional Unitary Transport Authority incorporating buses and trains with a board made up of regional and city representatives; create integrated ticketing, modern one-card payment; colour-code routes (as per Christchurch); speed up introduction of electric buses.’’
Alexander Garside,
27, postie ‘‘I’m standing to solve tomorrow’s problems, today. How we plan our infrastructure, building density and urban layout has consequences that will outlive us all. I intend to create a long-term regional spatial plan to guide our development over the century towards a low-carbon, resilient form.
‘‘Public transport needs to be able to respond to public feedback and ridership numbers. I intend to introduce regular network changes and growth based on your needs, incrementally improving our network in a sustainable and contextappropriate way.’’
Phil Quin,
49, writer and consultant ‘‘I’m standing because I want to fix the buses, not forgetting trains, and begin to restore community faith in the regional council as a transparent, democratic institution. The leadership is out of touch and overdue a clean out.
‘‘I want to fix the buses by reducing hubs, boosting services, recruiting more drivers, paying them more. Officials in charge of the debacle should be sacked.’’
TE AWA KAIRANGI KI TAI/ LOWER HUTT
Peter Glensor, 68, community sector leader
‘‘A very proud local, I’ve served on the regional council and two DHBs. I’m offering again my experience and energy, focused on transport, climate change, flood management. My leadership style is to keep talking and listening to you. I’ll spell out the options, and make decisions with you – the community.
‘‘Climate change demands we have strong public transport to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a healthy region. I led the regional council’s massive rail upgrade – new trains, better timetables and real-time travel information. I’m offering that experience, leadership and collaborative skills to help sort out the region’s buses.’’
Ken Laban, 62, broadcaster ‘‘Our biggest asset are our people, our biggest resource is public transport, and our biggest challenge is climate change. Those on fixed and low incomes want rate charges moderated. [The] older we get, the harder it is for many of us to exist. We all want a modern and progressive environment.’’
Prue Lamason, regional councillor ‘‘The Hutt needs my strong and outspoken voice to continue to fight for the Melling interchange, which helps unlock our river edge, and gives us future flood protection and better roading access to our CBD.
‘‘Effective public transport is imperative for Hutt residents. I will continue to work for efficient train and bus services while making sure fares are affordable for everyone. The increasing number of public transport users means we need to plan to increase rolling stock. I will work to ensure this happens.’’
Leonie Dobbs, 61, business owner and public servant ‘‘Transport putting passengers first. Ensure that transport that is reliable, and efficient across the region. Infrastructure. Ensure that our horizontal infrastructure (roading, water, storm water, waste water pipes) are fully maintained, fit for purpose, able to cope in case of disaster and our water is clean and drinkable.
‘‘There have been main problems over the last 12 months, which have been high published. Time for action and solutions. We need to review: scheduling, staff rosters, contracts of transport operators, buses, trains’ suitability for landscape and environment, maintenance, consultation with commuters and communities.
David Ogden, chartered accountant/local body politician
‘‘I want to make the regional council the best in the country, not just halfway. As mayor, I succeeded with our team in making the Hutt City Council the best in New Zealand as to low level of rates and debt reduction, and core business, and many other achievements. I want a written partnership contract with the government for the funding and planning of the region’s transport. This would give certainty to future projects. We need less talk and more