Te Awamutu Kihikihi Ward
Graham Jull – 2025
Graham Jull – Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Ward
1. Operational Deficits and Borrowing (maximum 100 words)
Waipā is currently running operational deficits over three years, which reduces the annual rates increase by around 4%. To fund this gap, the council is borrowing an average of $8 million per year.
a. Were you aware of this funding strategy?
b. Do you agree with the approach of borrowing to fund operational shortfalls as prudent rather than raising rates to fully fund current operations? Why or why not?
I am aware of the funding strategy. While borrowing can sometimes be necessary for major infrastructure, I do not support relying on debt to fund ongoing operational shortfalls This places an unfair burden on future generations and reduces financial resilience. Ratepayers deserve transparency on the true cost of services. Council must re-examine expenditure priorities, use of consultants, in-house decision making and reduction of non-essential spending before borrowing or raising rates. There must be a balance between efficiency gains, better planning and community input.
2. Ahu Ake – Waipā Community Spatial Plan (maximum 100 words)
The council has adopted the “Ahu Ake – Waipā Community Spatial Plan” as a long-term vision to guide growth and infrastructure planning.
a. Do you support the direction and priorities set out in Ahu Ake?
b. Given that the plan proposes a number of costly studies how would you ensure that it remains relevant, affordable, and aligned with community needs over time?
Basically, Ahu Ake is a 30-year plan for Waipa’s long-term growth and infrastructure updated from when I was a Councilor 2004-2010. To be relevant, I require regular reviews with measurable progress, community feedback and priority of essential infrastructure. Affordability is top of the list linked to real population growth and stable funding ability. The plan must move with the economy and changing community needs. What we really need tops what we would like to have every time.
3. Cambridge Connections (maximum 100 words)
The Cambridge Connections project reset proposes a transport network realignment and new infrastructure development around Cambridge, with potential long-term cost across the district and land use implications as well as extensive consultation.
a. Do you support the scale and scope of the Cambridge Connections project as currently proposed?
b. How should costs and impacts be managed to ensure fairness to ratepayers and affected communities?
I support investigation of Cambridge’s transport network for a growing town as long as Cambridge and central government fund its development and implementation. The same would-be for an enhanced rail network and SH3 on the Te Awamutu side of the district. Users and those that benefit should pay. Good luck Cambridge!
4. Council Expenditure and Core Services (maximum 100 words)
a. In your view, is Waipā District Council currently limiting its spending to basic or essential services?
b. If elected, would you support a review of current expenditure with a view to reducing non-essential costs and/or staffing levels?
I do not believe Council is fully focused on core services. Roads, water, footpaths, building consents, rubbish and recycling are core business for all ratepayers.
If elected, I will support a full review of current expenditure, particularly non-essential programmes and staffing levels and use of consultants. Savings should be directed to maintaining and improving core infrastructure. Transparency of Council’s decision making and implementation is fundamental for the community to have confidence in their Council. Strong financial discipline is vital in today’s economic climate.
5. Urban Intensification and Tier 1 Status (maximum 50 words)
Waipā must now enable greater housing intensification and density under new rules.
What principles should guide where and how higher-density housing is developed?
As an RMA Commissioner previously, I fundamentally support good design, infrastructure capacity and community (town, rural, business and social) wellbeing.
As the rules change by either central or local government, there must always be balance for growth of affordability, capacity, business development, green spaces and heritage.
6. Māori Ward Representation (maximum 50 words)
Waipā established a Māori ward to enhance Māori representation at the council table.
Do you support the continuation of the Māori ward beyond the current term?
It is important that mana whenua and Māori communities have a voice in Waipa. It is in the hands of Waipa residents to decide in the upcoming referendum as to how that will be. Council should represent all residents of Waipa and if elected, I will represent all residents in the Te Awamutu Kihikihi General Ward.
7. Community Boards (maximum 50 words)
Do you believe community boards effectively represent community views and provide valuable advice to council? Would you support any changes to their role or powers?
Community Boards provide a valuable link between local community groups and residents and Council. Their role has a direct effect on the day to day lives of the residents, but they are not Council or Government responsible for planning, funding, and development of the district.
8. Te Ara Wai (maximum 50 words)
What do you think the council should do with the old Bunnings building in Te Awamutu, which it bought to house Te Ara Wai Museum?
In 2010, I assisted with the vision and planning for a Warren and Mahony designed Library / Museum complex. External funding was arranged along with the usual council funding formula involving the Te Awamutu side of the district. Years later after not being re-elected, the library was eventually built without the museum. If elected this time, I will scrutinise the decision making, transparency, purchase, and contracts with the view to its sale rather than continue with a white elephant.
9. Future of Lake Karāpiro Domain (maximum 50 words)
Lake Karāpiro Domain is often referred to as Waipā’s “jewel in the crown”. The site is currently being reviewed under the Reserves Act 1977, and future options may include increased commercial development such as hotel or motel accommodation.
Hamilton City Council now charges outsiders to visit the Gardens, should Waipā do something similar at Karāpiro?
Do you support further commercial development at Lake Karāpiro Domain and/or a visitors’ levy?
The Lake Karapiro Domain is a jewel that must be protected as a wonderful community asset. Any commercial development must be carefully managed to preserve character and accessibility. Any revenue made, should be directed to maintenance and improvements only.
10. Finally, what is your vision for the Waipā district? (maximum 250 words)
Waipa has been my home for over 55 years. My vision for Waipa is a district that grows responsibly while protecting the natural, cultural and community assets that make it so special. Development must be balanced with affordability, ensuring rates are sustainable and spending is focused on projects that deliver real value for all parts of the district.
Waipa is anchored by Mt Pirongia to the west, Kakepuka central and Maungatautari to the east, with the Waikato and Waipa rivers and State Highway 1 and 3 and the North Island rail line, the key logistic and travel routes for the upper North Island. We must be forward thinking in our infrastructure investment but always protect our natural treasures.
To be the best place to live, work and play, strong communities need strong facilities. Waipa’s planned development must be wanted by the community, affordable with common sense and transparent spending which is equitable across the whole district.
There are many challenges ahead, but I want Waipa to be a vibrant, livable district which values its history, its people, its strong rural community and a council which plans wisely for growth while still maintaining its unique character. Council must always deliver the core services first, then plan for the future in a practical and affordable way.
See: Ward candidates in their own words
