‘Totally opposed’ to water reforms

Nobby Clark

Age: 71 Occupation: Councillor Marital status: Longterm partner

What sets you apart from the other mayoral candidates?

Prepared to resolve museum closure issue by building a new facility within three years. Prepared to secure the disability workers at the recycling plant until 2027. I’m totally opposed to the Three Waters reform. I have a proven ability to lead a diverse team. Strong leadership around governance goals and holding staff accountable for delivery.

How would you promote function and unity within the council governance team?

Have a monthly meeting with each elected member, to understand their views and passion for the city. Have a monthly ‘‘councillor only’’ meeting to create unified outcomes. Collapse the senior chairs group which divides the elected members. Insert a finance committee to oversee council expenditure which, in turn, impacts rates. Encourage debate as opposed to silence on key issues.

What are your personal views on the Three Waters reforms?

Totally opposed as Invercargill would face lower costs if we are not forced to join the water entity. Opposed to cogovernance model imposed by Minister Mahuta and her cabinet colleagues. They cannot deliver neither the economy of scale, recruitment of enough qualified water engineers nor get enough uptake by contractors to get the work done. They won’t address the need for water meters and ‘‘user pays’’. Invercargill ratepayers will subsidise other councils who have not done so well with their infrastructure renewals. Our need for an alternative water supply to the Oreti River will be low priority to the water entity.

How would you promote Invercargill as a place to live and work?

Most affordable house prices of any provincial city — that leaves more money in your pocket for other things. Plenty of current jobs with more to come via hydrogen plant, salmon farms, data centre, space ops and plenty in hospitality. A safe city with new vibrancy.

What do you believe the problems are with the existing Local Government Act and how would you fix it?

The current Act is OK, it just needs strengthening around codes of conduct, how they are investigated and what outcomes are available to a council for inappropriate behaviour.