My plans for our future.
With the groundwork done, I'm ready to take Whanganui to the next level.
Below are my four key areas of focus for the next term.
1. Keep our rates rises low.
A streamlined and efficient council
Continue to find savings to cut waste and run smarter operations.
Cut the red tape
Make building consents faster, cheaper and easier - enabling more housing for our community.
Future-proof funding
Create a Whanganui Investment Fund to increase funding and help offset future rates.
2. Build and unite our community.
Deliver more housing
Support community cohesion
Unlock post-settlement opportunity
Set up a housing trust to build 1000 houses over the next decade at no cost to the ratepayer. Plus make infill housing easier, and enable smaller blocks on peri-urban land as well as second-storey apartments on Victoria Ave.
Partner with the Whanganui Community Foundation to raise funds through donations and bequests for community-led projects and suburban events.
Align Iwi aspirations with council strategy after Treaty settlement with central government.
3. Boost our economy.
Keep tertiary education local
Establish a Whanganui School of Design & Technology to replace the soon-to-be-discontinued Te Pukenga.
Lower power costs
Explore ways to lower power costs with options like biogas, wind, and solar on Council land.
Increase productivity and attract new industry
Increase productivity for existing industries through technology and AI; and attract high-value industries such as marine, hospitality and technology.
4. Strengthen our infrastructure, transport and logistics.
Take Whanganui to the world
Partner with Air Chathams to secure a Christchurch route, transition plan for relocation of headquarters to Whanganui and develop an interline agreement with Air New Zealand. Develop logistics links with the rest of New Zealand and the world.
Get back to basics
Allocate at least 80% of Council investment to the basics – roads, footpaths, pipes and flood protection.
Rebuild and reimagine Dublin St Bridge
Develop a business plan for a replacement bridge with government financial support; and reimagine the current bridge for community enjoyment.
Ask Me.
If you have any questions about my policies for the future, please send me a message. Please allow 24 hours for me to respond. Thanks!