Mayoralty candidates make their mark
There was no clear winner at Taupo’s mayoral debate but enough fire to keep the discussion interesting.
In front of a packed crowd at Rotary House each candidate was given time to introduce themselves and given three questions at random.
David Trewavas led off the proceedings with a ’’business as usual’’ line and presented financial information showing a reduction in operating costs and the AA credit rating from Standard and Poors, as reasons to keep him in the job.
‘‘When it comes to rate rises, 80 per cent of ratepayers received a reduction this year,’’ he said.
Trewavas said education was a big issue facing Taupo and he would like to see the Wairakei campus upgraded as it is currently an ‘‘embarrassment’’.
Rosanne Jollands brought some fire to the debate saying Taupo deserved ‘‘more than what we’re getting’’ and took a swipe at the current leadership.
‘‘For too long we have had a mayor and a council that have lacked direction,’’ she said.
‘‘What we need to smart decision making.’’
Jollands also spoke against council amalgamation.
Christine Rankin divided the room but held firm on her comments that Taupo ‘‘needs a tidy up’’ and looks a bit run down. Despite some heckles from the crowd she maintained that people ‘‘need to view the town with fresh eyes’’ and gave her experience in the public sector as her rationale for why she will be effective in charge of Taupo.
‘‘It’s run down and it’s tired,’’ she said.
Rankin said Taupo needs to move away from being an exclusive tourist destination and tap into its other resources.
‘‘The future of Taupo is not only in tourism,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s low skilled, low paid and I want better.’’
Kim Eyles punched well above his weight and managed to get his key campaign points across including healthy living, gardens on road reserves and affordable accommodation.
‘‘Affordable housing is a very important issue,’’ he said. Eyles produced a drawing of a cheap house, 30 square metres times two stories, which could help alleviate the housing shortage.