Party
Independant Candidate
Standing for
Nelson City Council - At Large
Video
No videos
Conflicts of Interest
Nil
Age
49
Marital Status
Single Mum
Children
Proud mum of my talented son Liam aged 12 - muscian, singer, performer
Links

Facebook

Video

Media Statement - Heart of Nelson Disconnect with Implementation

Media Statement - Commuter Cyclist Facilities

Let’s enhance Nelson’s reputation as an Attractive Place to Live and Visit.

Let’s ensure we continue to develop sustainably and not spend more than we can afford.

Let’s add value to our assets: eco tourism, ‘slow’ travel, and arts. 

Let’s make Nelson an ‘all year round’ destination. 

Let’s celebrate our arts, culture, and diversity as well as our clean air and water, edible gardens and open orchards.  As rate payers we all bear the cost of expensive decisions. 

Balancing affordability with the needs of our community and developing only those schemes which have true benefit.

I'm prepared to question decisions.  I prepared to be questioned on my decisions. 

We will attract visitors as Nelson becomes a Solar Centre and an Eco Tourist Destination.  Develop Nelson as a Model Community: social responsible providing for people; both young and old.  With easy and safe Active Transport, Public Transport and Travel Demand Management.

Whether or not we agree with other candidates' views, this is a wonderfully diverse range of people and my hope is we achieve a new council with that same diversity.   Through diversity we will find creative solutions for Nelson’s future.   Since the last election, 2 major factors have rocked our world, including Nelson.  The financial crisis and global recession and the Christchurch earthquake including over 700 aftershocks.   The world is no longer the same.  Tourists aren’t coming in droves.  Therefore we need new strategies, new visions and stamping our mark as a ‘slow tourism’ all year round destination, by developing Nelson as the Model Community of New Zealand.  Let’s make Nelson easy to walk, cycle, with accessability for all Provide more mobility parking facilities.  Provide a quality and affordable bus service.  Let’s encourage eco-tourism and add-value rather than strive to be the same as any other town.
None of this can occur on it’s own.  We need a committed Council and an engaged Community.  That’s the relationship required.
I’m a proud single parent of my son Liam.  I am also carer of my aging dad, Harry, supporting him remaining in his own home.
Council must manage our money wisely – with accountability and affordability being the key objectives.

 

Top 5 Issues

  1. Open and transparent consultation and communication with our community
  2. Accountability and Affordability
  3. Demand Councillors and Staff work for our community
  4. Decisive and Sustainable Transport Solutions
  5. Stand up to vested interests

Personal Profile

Bachelors Degree - Business Management
Aged Carer & Single Parent
Advocate and Volunteer

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=428713156190

Authorised by Anne Fitzsimon of 19 Harper St Nelson

Questions answered by Anne Fitzsimon

Question

Anne Fitzsimon's Reply

Does Nelson region need a Conference Centre?

No a private facility is already planned.

check out other candidate's answers
Nelson Southern Arterial Route - yes or no?

The current process through the arterial study has yet to be completed.  So far, it appears to confirm, that the cost : benefit ratio does not stack up for any new road building.  This means, that even if Nelson wants a new road, NZTA are unlikely to pay for it.  Therefore, if Nelson still wants a new road, the people of Nelson will have to pay for it, plus maintain it.  Those costs would need to be fully disclosed to the Nelson ratepayers for them to make an informed decision.

Personally, I don\'t not support a southern arterial route.  I believe the cost of fossil fuel will increase through energy depletion.  As such we need, as a community to work together to develop solutions which mitigate this.  Option 5 provides a combined solution for our whole community.

check out other candidate's answers
Performing arts centre

Yes on the proviso of committed community, staff and financial support from Tasman District Council and business partnerships only.

check out other candidate's answers
Railway reserve development

The current process through the arterial study has yet to be completed.  So far, it appears to confirm, that the cost : benefit ratio does not stack up for any new road building.  This means, that even if Nelson wants a new road, NZTA are unlikely to pay for it.  Therefore, if Nelson still wants a new road, the people of Nelson will have to pay for it, plus maintain it.  Those costs would need to be fully disclosed to the Nelson ratepayers for them to make an informed decision.

Personally, I don\'t not support a southern arterial route.  I believe the cost of fossil fuel will increase through energy depletion.  As such we need, as a community to work together to develop solutions which mitigate this.  Option 5 provides a combined solution for our whole community.

check out other candidate's answers
Performance of current council

A good question, but not an easy one to reply with a simple yes or no.

I believe the previous term council had left some serious financial management issues which the current council has worked on, including employing a new CEO and requiring more accountability, but I do believe there is some way to go.

I also think the over use of consultants has been excessive in some areas.  The problem being when consultants don\'t listen to the community - the result becomes a cost and an angry community.

Poor communication with community has also let this council down.

The current council has supported a range of pet projects, rather than some of the basics - maintenance of current assets is essential and core business.

In the current economic climate which is likely to continue, it is impertive that all future expenditure is carefully managed: needs based and prioritised.

check out other candidate's answers
Should the Nelson Marina be incorporated?

No

This is a wonderful recreational resource for everyone to use.

check out other candidate's answers
How are you qualified for the job?

I have a Bachelor of Business Studies in Management.  I have experience in the corporate, SME and non-profit sector, as well as some within local body.  I have also held governance roles and am currently on the national body Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) and am a member of the Cycle Training Advisory Group (CTAG) championed by NZTA.  I have experience working with a wide range of people, also a wide range of organisations including government agencies and private best practice experts.

I am a big picture person and a creative thinker.  As a mother, I see the future of Nelson through the children\'s eyes.  As a carer of my aging Dad, I also see the concerns of the older generation.

I listen to the needs of people.  I seek advise from experts and have I question and debate, to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome.

I believe very strongly in open communication.  It is essential the community, staff and council have all the facts, with no hidden agendas.

I am very concerned with some consultation processes which have somewhat ignored the community.  I want to see council working more effectively accross departments, rather than departmentalising projects and thereby ensuring the best outcome for all, rather than having to re-visit projects, which seems to be a common occurance.  I believe we can do better.

I will be a FULLTIME councillor.

check out other candidate's answers
Should the council be involved in ensuring tertiary education offerings?

Kia ora Jude and thanks for your question.

The role of tertiary education in Te Tau Ihu (Top of the South) must cover a range of initiatives from private training providers, govt providers and iwi providers, from basic life skills for those slipping through the cracks through to trades and skills which match our local industries, culture, craft, tourism, etc and move towards adding value, but for the industries and the people.  Encouraging young people to be proud to be here.

Having said that, Council\'s role is that of networking and facilitiating with providers and industries.

Te Tau Ihu has unique qualities such as the highest sunshine hours - imagine a Te Tau Ihu Renewable Energy Scheme - community owned with shareholders.  Opportunities for development, skills, research - a concept which could be modelled and on-sold to other regions.

check out other candidate's answers

Nelson City Council - At Large

Results - Final

Rachel Reese
10546
Jeff Rackley
7602
Ian Barker
7146
Pete Rainey
6850
Gail Collingwood
6763
Alison Boswijk
6633
Mike Ward
6519
Ruth Copeland
6063
Derek Shaw
5707
Kate Fulton
5525
Eric Davy
5455
Paul Matheson
5335
Alan Turley
5099
Paul Blackham
5000
Gary Watson
4398
Bernard Downey
4229
Adrian Parlane
4059
Greg Shaw
3938
Kevin Gardener
3920
Butch Bradley
3845
Errol Millar
3698
Nigel Dowie
3655
Mike Gane
3586
Philip Thompson
3453
Paul Boulton
3452
Andrew Dunlop
3307
Hugh Briggs
3141
Marie Johnstone
2937
Darren Randle
2899
Andy Clover
2894
Anne Fitzsimon
2669
Jim Cable
2428
Tash Wilkinson
2252
Patrick Smith
2151
Alf Newman
1720
Shane Graham
1546
Carl Horn
1466