MEET THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES
As part of our election coverage, we’re profiling mayoral candidates throughout the region. All candidates were asked to provide a statement on why they are standing, and their policy on rates, housing, and transport. Today, we look at Kapiti District Council.
Gwynn Compton, 36, public relations, independent.
‘‘If Kapiti is going to remain the community we love, then we can’t keep doing things the way we have been. We’re facing unprecedented challenges, such as dealing with Transmission Gully opening and fixing the years of systematic issues at council exposed by the report into toxic mould at Waikanae Library.
‘‘I’ll bring the fresh leadership, smart thinking, and community-led approach needed to meet these challenges, turn things around, and seize the opportunities ahead of us. I’ll also fight relentlessly to get government to play their part in funding the infrastructure and services we need.
‘‘Rates need to be kept affordable. That means we can’t afford to repeat the $2 million Waikanae Library toxic mould debacle. I’ll ensure we uncover any other issues with community assets, be responsible with council’s finances, and make sure that ratepayers’ money is used both efficiently and effectively.
‘‘For two years council has taken no meaningful action on Kapiti’s housing crisis. I’ll fix the issues at council that are holding back smart, medium-density development and I’ll push for the government to free up excess land and for it to fund and build more affordable and social housing.
‘‘Public transport hasn’t kept pace with roading improvements. New electro diesel-trains in six years might offer a handful of additional services, but fast and frequent commuter rail is only possible through electrifying the rail network to O taki. I’ll campaign tirelessly for the government and regional council to fund this.’’ Jackie Elliot, 54, KCDC councillor. ‘‘I look forward to representing you as mayor of Kapiti, bringing proven governance experience and smart thinking. Maintaining stability with prudent long-term fiscal management is vital to lower inherited debt to fund future infrastructure upgrades. I am also working in planning future waste management, the Kapiti Gateway project, and wish to see through the SH1 revocation and naming and Kapiti Gateway projects, while making Kapiti a safer place to live in. I look forward to representing the public and have a proven record as a strident advocate for the public of Kapiti. Read my policies on Facebook or elliott4kapiti@gmail.com
‘‘Having the second to highest debt level in the country due to decades-old borrowing does put pressure on all ratepayers. I have established a business rate differential and will continue lobbying to remove the Single Occupied Unit rates penalty for those supplying emergency housing. Keeping housing affordable is paramount.
‘‘Housing – I will not vote to sell council’s social housing and will continue to lobby the Government to make KCDC and 59 other councils in NZ who own 12,000 social houses declared social housing providers to access the MSD funding for a five-year complete healthy homes maintenance upgrade for all units here. I will continue to lobby for daily commuter train services connecting Wellington to Palmerston North. The ‘‘Get Wellington Moving’’ initiative should benefit all daily commute traffic to and from the city centre and I would love a daily tourist steam train operating on the main trunk line. Why not dream?’’
K (Guru) Gurunathan, 65, journalist, current mayor.
‘‘I love serving people. I am also aware my success will encourage diversity in the local government sector. LGNZ’s call for decentralisation of decision-making has inspired me. We should be trusting and engaging local communities to make local decisions. Growth from the expressways need to be grounded into existing communities, their open spaces and local environments. After six years as councillor and three as mayor I’m confident of navigating the huge council machine to change – including better engagement with the business and development communities. I want to improve health services for seniors and families, and am passionate about driving digital education in schools.
‘‘MSD’s Housing Register says we have 93 in need of accommodation. Housing NZ’s response is to build 13 new social houses. This is ridiculous when hidden demand is likely to be 300. We need a realistic partnership with government agencies. I support creating a council organisation to build social houses.
‘‘Biggest transport need: extend commuter rail to O taki. I support GWRC’s business case to Government for two new electrodiesel trains to replace the single old Capital Connection unit. It’ll draw Palmerston North and Levin closer to Kapiti, remove cars off the highway, and reduce Waikanae’s significant car parking problems.
‘‘A blunt tool, rates are always about affordability. Continue investing over $400,000 in rates remission and the added cost of up to $150,000 to administer the government’s rebate scheme. Almost 3000 benefited. It’s a complex balancing act with each of land, capital and uniform charges.’’
Martin Halliday, 51, business owner and community advocate, independent.
‘‘With my current involvement with
community groups, community issues and having had business interests on the Kapiti Coast, I am appalled and frustrated with what I have seen and experienced dealing with KCDC, as are many. The Kapiti Coast is awesome, I’m stepping up to be counted by my community. See martinhalliday.co.nz. Kapiti needs protection. Transmission Gully, township identity, community values, housing, our youth and elderly: there are many issues to be addressed. We don’t want to become a suburb of Wellington. My skill set is in management, team building, community and I believe is fit for purpose as Kapiti faces challenging times.
‘‘Kapiti wants the rates system reviewed. It will be. A councillor-led portfolio will be created to deliver this in partnership with community. Kapiti council income is reliant on rates. This portfolio will also realistically investigate development of alternate income streams. Your needs are my focus.
‘‘The current housing task force to encompass all housing groups, then formalised, assigned a councillor-led portfolio and empowered for delivery in partnership with community. A mixed-model approach to housing is required. Government would be aggressively lobbied for social housing. Consenting processes would also be reviewed.
‘‘I support rail electrification connecting Waikanae to O taki and the introduction of a 3-filter approach to council policy: climate, sustainability, age-friendly communities. These will be applied to future decisions around transport. Current community access to Wellington hospital needs to be built on, and wouldn’t a Kapiti tram route be cool?’’