I LOVE WELLINGTON!

It is so important to ensure our council is well balanced and represents all the people of Wellington. I am willing to step up and help make sure this becomes a reality. Wellington is my home, I'm bringing up my family here, and I work and play here. We need successful business people on council to make sure the region's future is well planned and that the business of running a council is done in the most effective and efficient way to save ratepayers time and money, and reduce red tape. I have worked hard to play my part in the Wellington region and remain dedicated to a range of charitable and social groups throughout central Wellington but I also understand that business needs a positive environment to develop and grow.

SO IF YOU LOVE WELLINGTON TOO

VOTE CUNNINGHAM 1 IN LAMBTON WARD

Top 5 Issues

1. BUSINESS...
   Over 80% of businesses in Wellington are small or medium sized. We need clearly defined incentives to ensure they can operate and develop successfully.
   
   To achieve this we should have successful business people at council level to help create and implement effective and exciting incentives.
   
2. TOURISM...
   Council needs to ensure Wellington continues to develop as a destination for domestic and international tourists.
   
   We must continue to stimulate tourism growth and be known as THE "centre" of New Zealand – not just at Sevens Weekend.
   
3. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY...
   People need to be responsible for their own actions. The majority of Wellingtonians DO NOT break the law and should not be burdened with by laws by the thousands that are developed to stop the few that continually offend! Reward the many that are reasonable and responsible and develop hard hitting penalties for regular offenders.
4. GROW SMARTER...
   As more responsibility is shifted from central government to councils, we need strategic and financially smart approaches to the growth of our city. This needs business experience at council level to ensure strategies are smart, cost effective and GOOD FOR ALL WELLINGTONIANS.
   
   This is not about just the next five years; this is about our kids' futures. This includes transport, technology and developing real reasons for business to do business, live and play in Wellington.
5. RATES & FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY...
   To manage a business you need to make sure all the dollars are used in the most efficient way. How can this occur without a council with business and financial management experience.
   
   Most candidates will use rates as a platform for election, but how many have ANY experience in good financial management? With several long term successful business ventures in Wellington employing over 100 staff, I can offer this experience and help make sure we spend our money wisely.

Personal Profile

Adam lives with his family -Tamara Jane and their kids Maddie, Max and Dani.

Adam's businesses in Wellington include Smith the Grocer cafe and catering company (www.smiththegrocer.co.nz). Over the past 10 years, Adam has developed and grown Smith into a Wellington success as one of the city's busiest inner city cafes.

Adam also owns and operates the Village Accommodation Group (www.villagegroup.co.nz) with six locations throughout Wellington offering corporate apartments to business and leisure travellers. He's also a director of Artisan consulting – a consultancy set up to help train people in leadership and management throughout New Zealand (www.artisan.net.nz).

Tamara Jane and Adam jointly own Tempt cupcakes and celebration cakes in the Old Bank Arcade (www.tempt.net.nz). You may have caught tamara on TV as she is regularly on TV1's Good Morning show.

"Business is strong for us, but the challenges ratepayers and small business owners face remain the same, we need to keep increasing Wellington's business potential and the standard of living each and every year".

"I am not looking to become a professional councillor, or politician, I will remain working hard in my business if successful in winning a seat at council (although with some extra support!). Why? Because surely you need the reality and focus of your own work to help make real and current decisions in council. How do these full time professional councillors make the right decisions, when their only form of income is their council salary. I want to give something back, help keep some balance and ensure Wellington Council continues to work for residents".

Council needs real people with real experience - not professional politicians.