Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Ward
Lou Brown 2025
Lou Brown – 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 that rates need to increase yearly to fund the current operational deficit. Unfortunately, rates are only charged to property owners, not the whole population. Central Government doesn’t support local Government with removing GST and adequately funding new Central Government policies and requirements. Rate increases are also driven by servicing development infrastructure costs and the fact that Waipa is considered a Tier 1 council, also a central Government policy. Rate increases must be balanced with debt and; borrowing should be predominately for long-term infrastructure and development.
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?
Aku Ake Community Spatial Plan must be considered as a living long term document allowing Council the ability to consult and plan for future developments and infrastructure. The projected studies costs will be incurred only as necessary and at future dates as Ahu Ake is to operate for many decades and will have to cater for many modifications and changes.
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?
Cambridge Connections is an important issue for the whole Waipa Council district. Transport solutions and infrastructure developed will service and impact on the whole district and need to be addressed as a major operational issue.
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?
Waipa District Council has reviewed line by line all current expenditure for the current Long-Term Plan. Unfortunately, continued cost escalations and Central Government unfunded policies continue to impact on council operations. Trained and competent staff are very difficult to source and are necessary for the efficient operation of council. Staff reductions will however take place once the Waikato Waters Done Well Council Controlled entity is established.
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?
Unfortunately, Waipa has been made a Tier 1 Urban Intensification zone which encompasses both urban service towns and rural areas which compound the urban intensification requirements. The legislation removes council planning and controls on development and infrastructure.
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?
I support the continuation of the Māori ward and the perspectives raised are an important consideration for councillor discussions and decisions.
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?
I support the Community Board structure with enhanced ability to communicate between the public and council. Perhaps allow a Community Board representative to attend selected committee meetings. Currently this could be considered as work in progress.
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?
The old Bunnings building was leased to a logistics company who vacated the site a few months ago leaving the building empty. The site has significant local history and should be retained within the community and utilised for sport and community usage until a long term solution is decided.
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?
Lake Karapiro has developed into an important sporting and recreational venue, and I believe as such needs to be continued being enhanced with appropriate commercial development such as accommodation and improved sports facilities. The visitors’ levy issue should be researched and presented to council for consideration and decision at a future date.
10. Finally, what is your vision for the Waipā district? (maximum 250 words)
Support Waikato Regional Council with Lake Nga Roto restoration and enhancement for future generations. Continue to maintain current levels of service for the local community within the constraints of our current budget. I would like to continue serving in my current role with the Civil Defence Community and ensure that Western Waikato is well funded and trained for any future emergencies. Support Waikato Waters done well amalgamation and the transfer of operations to the new Council Controlled Water entity.
