Meet the Candidates, Kerikeri speech

If you keep doing what you’re always done, you’ll keep get what you’re always got.

With almost six years experience as deputy mayor and a previous five years, in total, working within local government, I know how Local Government works.  I know its challenges and I know its potential. 

I am one of the most experienced governance individuals standing here tonight, renowned as a strategic thinker, with a strong background in community development. 

I am capable of leading this council into a new era.  I hold a clear vision and believe my inclusive leadership style, knowledge and courageous approach will make a genuine difference for you on the ground.

Council is not broken.  There are a lot of things that we are doing well, but absolutely acknowledge that there is a whole lot of things we can do much better.  Starting with rebuilding trust and becoming a can-do organisation.  I believe that we can achieve this and lead the way in how we look after our people and our place.

My four key approaches are:
Doing it our way – localism in action.  New Zealand is the third most centralised country in the western world.  Just 12% of public funds is spent by local government.  We need to cut through the ever growing red tape and become self determining.  Together, we know our solutions.
Smarts – we must make smarter decisions, based on where we want to be in the future and not on whats happening in the moment.  We have limited resources.  The biggest district in the North island, more than 40 communities and less than 40,000 ratepayers. 

Let’s get innovative and become a test market for creative thinking.  Seaweed production, developing a circular economy, innovative approaches to waste, smarter approaches to housing, supporting our key industries to flourish, the list goes on. 

And then there’s the brave decisions that will need to be made around climate change.  Addressing our serious affordability issues and creating a future of hope and not one of despair.

Partnerships.  We can not successfully move forward if we don’t truly work together.  Council is here to serve, our communities to lead.

And last but certainly not least, developing a culture of care.  Both within the council organisation and working with you, our communities.

People of Kerikeri.  My commitments to you include:

• Supporting the work of Our Kerikeri.  They are about to launch their vision on 4 September – huge congratulations!  I am committed to supporting you to take the next steps forward in seeing the development of planning and/or a review of the Kerikeri/Waipapa Structure plan that will see your vision becoming a reality, including addressing congestion, development and creating a vibrant CBD.
• The heart of Kerikeri – the Domain.  You as a community now have an opportunity to develop an inclusive civic area, a space that you love and will be proud to call your meeting place, your heart space.  I will support you in achieving this.

I am an advocate for community empowerment.  Future focused, a change agent, a fresh thinker.  I have learnt a great deal over the last two terms.  I am now ready to lead.  I do not have all the answers but I know working together, we will find the solutions.

Your vote for me, is a vote for all of us - our people, our place.  I am daring greatly, standing here putting a stake in the ground for our future.  I am asking you to stand with me.
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Na tatou to wa - it’s our time!