Blog

The local body elections are coming up. This is a good time for voters to look at who is available,
and what is on offer, and then make their own decisions on the leadership of our city. These are the key factors to consider . . .

Changed policies are needed

• If incoming Councillors support existing policies, then we will further divide Porirua City into haves and have nots.
• This will happen as our excessive rates hurt the poorest in our community.
• Maori and Pacifica make up half of our population yet are most challenged with poorer housing options and lower incomes.
• We need policies that allow those that are challenged financially to at the very least only have rates costs like other urban cities. Currently our rates are about 35% higher. This will soon be over $1000pa dearer than Lower Hutt rates for a medium value home.

Vote for those that will achieve change

• Existing Councillors or new Councillors who acknowledge the present rating issue and are willing to progressively (over the next decade) make Porirua a city for all residents are needed.
• A new Mayor who is willing to stamp upon our Council – better policies are needed.
• Leadership will come from a Mayor who understands the challenges of poverty and will take action to make sure our policies help, not damage those that are on struggle street.
• Our current community policies divide Porirua City into ‘silos’ at a time when we need policies that bring us together. We are a city with a small footprint and effort needs to go towards facilities we all use, that bring us together.

Ongoing costly errors have punished ratepayer value

• The $3.8 million loss to write off our Management Information Technology – we cannot afford that!
• The speculative $4 million investment in an Adventure Park – we cannot afford that!
• The $10 million leaky homes buyback was needed but came about from a PCC mistake – we cannot afford that!
• A Mayor who has a $120,000 self-promotion budget along with China trip expenses – we cannot afford that.
• Future potential costs for upkeep on roads when Transmission Gully opens, with no warning of $$$ size to ratepayers – can we afford that?
• Investment in non-core expenditure to make councillors look good – we do not need that!
• Commercial rates being at levels that hamper and limit private investment – we cannot afford that!
• Councillors and a Mayor who do not accept responsibility for these actions – we cannot afford that!

Northern Ward election choices

• A cohesive and strong group of Northern Ward councillors with policies that are inclusive and offer opportunity, dignity and respect to those less well off will get support and votes from southern Porirua, so long as they can communicate those affordable policies for our city.
• We will all benefit from policies that bring us together to live with respect and understanding of our differing needs.
• We need to aim to make Porirua City the best, and most inclusive city in New Zealand.