Water supply a worry for voters

Water, water, water. More than a year after the gastro outbreak that hit Havelock North, people in the Tukituki electorate are still concerned about what happened, and what it means for the future of their water supply.

Drinking water is not the only concern. Farmers and horticulturalists have taken a battle stance against a water conservation order (WCO) on the Ngaruroro River, which is designed to limit takes from the river at current levels.

The scheme has caused controversy in the region, with opponents organising protests, amid fears it will stifle production and therefore employment. The groups that applied for the WCO say the river has outstanding values and they want protection for its entire length.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is also looking to ban any new allocations from the Heretaunga aquifer, and it recently withdrew support for the Ruataniwha dam, which was hoped to help water security in the drought-prone area.

Much like in the rest of the country, housing – the cost and lack of – is a big issue with voters, as is youth unemployment, and health. As in Napier, retailers and shoppers have noticed an increase in beggars and visible homelessness.

Incumbent Craig Foss, a National MP, was in the seat 12 years before he stepped down, so it will be interesting to see whether the electorate continues to vote National, getting behind former Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule, or whether fresh blood will be the choice in the form of Labour’s Anna Lorck.

There are also candidates standing for the Future Youth Party and Democrats for Social Credit.

❚ Articles were written by Stuff reporters and students from Massey University School of Journalism.