Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Ward
Shane Walsh – 2025
Shane Walsh – 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 strategy and am concerned, as it highlights the dire financial issues facing council. This year’s 15.5% rate increase is the third highest of the 78 councils in New Zealand – add another 4% and it would have been the highest rate increase in New Zealand.
Borrowing to fund operational shortfalls is not prudent, as the interest costs will become another burden for ratepayers. Council’s focus needs to be on eliminating overspending and the need to borrow.
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?
Ahu Ake started life as a Spatial Plan but has now morphed into an overarching strategic direction that is not relevant. It has been a very costly exercise which is not adding value and is unaffordable.
Ahu Ake is supposed to be about working together to achieve Council’s vision and community outcomes through partnerships and collaboration. The reality is the community feels disconnected to Council and that Council do not listen. This is evident in councils own satisfaction surveys, which demonstrate very low levels of community satisfaction. Council needs to learn to listen and work closer with Community organisations.
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?
The cost for this infrastructure is unaffordable for Waipa Ratepayers and must be funded through NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. This agency requires a business case, and we need to ensure the scope of this project only covers work that is necessary to complete the business case. We must also be confident in our ability to secure the funding before we agree to start the process.
To ensure fairness, the cost of this project should be covered by a targeted rate to Cambridge Ratepayers.
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?
The biggest issue Waipa District Council faces is financial sustainability. When compared to 78 councils in New Zealand their debt to income level is the second highest in the country. Simply put, they are spending more than they can afford. Their current debt is $403m budgeted to reach $661m in 2029, which is dangerously close to the maximum borrowing allowed.
A review of current expenditure, focus on improving efficiency, eliminating wasteful spending, improving returns on assets and investigating other funding options outside the reliance on ratepayers should be the highest priorities for newly elected councillors.
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?
High density housing should be built to a high standard using good quality building materials and designed to be in keeping with the houses located in the same neighbourhood. They should only be allowed in areas where amenities and public transport are in easy walking distance.
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 Maori ward. Maori will represent 20% of the New Zealand population and need to be represented on Council. The Waipa area has a rich Maori history that should be recognised and celebrated.
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 ensure the identity of our towns are protected and that their character is maintained. They ensure the voice of the community is heard by council.
The current relationship between the Te Awamutu/Kihikihi Community Board and council is dysfunctional. The community is being ignored. This needs to be rectified.
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?
Te Ara Wai was announced 10 years ago. Council has failed to deliver this project, which would have delivered economic benefits.
Purchasing the Bunnings Building when council had no partners to fund Te Ara Wai seems irresponsible. Ownership of the Bunnings Building along with other assets needs to be reviewed.
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?
All council assets including Karapiro should be reviewed in terms of maximising returns. Further development at Lake Karapiro should not occur. Council should seek interest from other funders who may have an interest in investing in this area. Visitors’ levys (user pays) should be considered.
10. Finally, what is your vision for the Waipā district? (maximum 250 words)
Waipa is a great place to live – beautiful landscape, well located close to everything you could want. As a councillor I want to make this the most liveable area in New Zealand. Waipa District Council has a role to play.
The first focus for new councillors is working with the CEO to create a financially sustainable organisation, that can operate within budget, that listens to the community and delivers.
We must protect our environment – our mountains, lakes, streams and wildlife – for the benefit of future generations. We must acknowledge and celebrate our history – both Maori and Pakeha. These things are what makes Waipa a special place to live.
Once we are in a better financial position we can consider projects that add both economic value and make our town more liveable. These can be facilitated by Council in partnership with the community. Examples of these projects are:
- Te Awamutu, Ngaroto to Pirongia Cycleway – great for locals and tourists
- Te Ara Wai telling the Maori Land War story in a world leading way that will make it a must do destination for locals and international visitors
- Holmes Garage covered walkway and event space linking Selwyn Park with the central business district, telling the story of the Selwyn Park Mission School
These projects will increase existing business turnover and create opportunities for new businesses while make Te Awamutu an even greater place to live.
