Pirongia Kakepuku ward
Naomi Pocock
Naomi Pocock – Pirongia-Kakepuku 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?
Yes
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?
Generally, borrowing should not be used to cover operational costs, except in terms of transitioning to the use of new assets as part of overall investment costs. Local governments should lobby central government for fairer funding models on infrastructure development so the cost for investment isn’t borne by ratepayers. Also, councils should be run efficiently, while still providing quality services to local communities.
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?
Yes
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?
Take an agile approach to managing these projects with iterative decision making points that provide direction at key milestone stages, so that funds aren’t wasted pursuing initiatives that no longer make sense for key community stakeholders.
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?
Somewhat – all infrastructure projects should undergo transparent business cases that consider economic, social, and environmental impacts, while taking the latest expert-led evidence into consideration. If the business case stacks up, the project should go ahead.
b. How should costs and impacts be managed to ensure fairness to ratepayers and affected communities?
Ratepayers/affected communities should be well informed and given voice (via citizens assemblies and participatory budgeting etc) at each stage of major infrastructure projects to ensure investment is aligned with community vision.
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?
Yes
b. If elected, would you support a review of current expenditure with a view to reducing non-essential costs and/or staffing levels?
All organisations should seek to continually improve efficiencies and quality of services delivered in line with its vision/mission. If the organisational culture of Waipā District Council is aligned with vision and seeks continuous improvement, they should be trusted to deliver. I would seek to listen to council culture before requesting a review.
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?
Future-proofing urban design and development principles, the provision of basic services (e.g. 3 waters, roading, parks and recreation areas, safe cycleways for children to get to school), environmental protection for future generations (intensification done well drawing on international best-practice).
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?
Yes
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?
They should have greater voice as they know their communities best. Citizens Assemblies with binding recommendations are a great way to involve communities in participatory democracy.
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?
Create a transparent business case and weather the downturn if possible as it was agreed upon by most of the community as a long-term investment.
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?
No, I don’t believe locals will pay to visit it as there are many other alternatives across the district and domains should be seen as public spaces or ‘commons’.
Do you support further commercial development at Lake Karāpiro Domain and/or a visitors’ levy?
I would not support a visitors levy as the space belongs to the public; however, I would seek to leverage a greater return on existing infrastructure at the domain, as much of it sits idle for much of the year and could be used for multiple purposes.
10. Finally, what is your vision for the Waipā district? (maximum 250 words)
I want a Waipā that invests in strong and resilient communities, offers spaces where children can thrive, supports biodiversity on behalf of future generations, and puts evidence-based decision-making first. The council should serve communities efficiently and provide quality services at affordable costs. The councillors should take a servant leadership approach, listening first and letting go of preconceived agendas.
More specifically, I would support the Waipā Biodiversity Corridor between Maungatautari and Pirongia mountains, by connecting farmers and landowners with philanthropists and corporates looking for opportunities to invest in biodiversity restoration. I would join initiatives to ensure the health of our waterways, including the lakes Te Koo Utu and Ngā Roto. I would support the Pirongia Cycleway project, potentially aligning it with the Waipā Biodiversity Corridor initiative with the potential to make the cycleway a ‘Great Ride’ of New Zealand in the future.
