Voters and electors of the Rotorua District, I need your support to make history for all the right reasons. History to change the Leadership style at the Rotorua District Council. The next 3-6 years are crucial for Land Use, Development, sewerage schemes, roading, subdivision and making sure spending and rates increases are kept to a minimum. I will support Joint ventures with the Private or Iwi sectors and or Private? public partnerships providing they are in the  best interests of Rotorua and its residents and ratepayers. I have the time, energy and passion to succeed and will retire from Real estate when elected. While you will not always agree with me at least I will have a go for Rotorua and you in the Ngongotaha region.

 
 My track record is one of listening, delivering and being in touch with people. Yes I have upset some in the past but I'm not afraid to make the hard decisions. If you want a safe bet, someone who will coast for 3 years, look elsewhere. Leadership and creating relationships with Business, Retailers,Tourism operators, Investors and Job creators will be my Priority.  I have a Low tolerance for Crime and in particular tagging, drugs, gangs and the like. I will engage those who can deliver a safer low tolerance of crime. You should feel safe.
 
  Some will claim that Rotorua is on Track-Yeah Right-We need to create a Can Do attitude to get Rotorua out of this growth slump we are in at the moment. We have created a fund of $7m over the next two years for the Grow Rotorua Fund which I believe will be the catalyst to get new job creating business into Rotorua. I want to engage with all the relevant players to sit down before Xmas to seek expressions of interest to get flights from Rotorua to the Gold Coast or Brisbane asap or at least a timetable when this can occur. If we need an incentive to lure another airline lets do it. Rotorua's economic survival depends on tourism for jobs and all that flows from that.
 
Over the past three years I have been to countless meetings right across Rotorua, across the old wards and have helped thousands through their individual and or community problems. From Tararewa to Reporoa from Kawaha Point to Pukehangi from Mourea to Rotoma. As Mayor this will not change.
 
I must say aren't we over the Nia Glassey thing. Some have milked it for all the publicity they can get and the positive flow on effect is that all the agencies seem to be working closer. However the problem is happening daily in your street and community as is Drugs and drug pushers. Family violence is a major issue but we need to end the talk fests and ask central government to act. All children under the age of five must be visited by Plunket, District health nurses on a regular basis. It should not be an option to refuse the service it should be mandatory and compulsory. The safety of the child and that of the mother are of prime importance to themselves but also the community.
 
I'm Healthy, have the support of Denise who is a leader in her field that is Brass Bands, as are our Children. At the Moment I'm really honoured to be Patron of the Kennel Club and are involved in so many things I do not want to bore you. Most of the people of Rotorua know me or have heard of what i do. Some times I'm abrasive and tell it how it is. I make no apology for that. Action is what the people of Rotorua want and Denise and I as Team Sturt have delivered all our Lives in the service of Rotorua. As Mayor and Mayoress of Rotorua we will be available, here in Rotorua 11.5 months of the Year ( 2 weeks for Holidays), ensure the Councillors talents are properly utilised and create a team culture that gets things done.
 
My Track record speaks for itself as a leader on the Energy Events Centre Working Party, Chair of Parks when Council delivered our library, Community house, expansion of the Aquatic centre. etc etc. Created & co Authored the Sports facility development policy which is now the Community Facilities development fund which saw Hockey expended, Performing arts centre at John Paul College, the lynmore school indorr facility,Whhs recording and Music centre and the arean at RGHS and the Kitchen extensions to Reporoa College. All for community and school, use. International stadium being a world class facility Rotorua East Bowling club,  Junior Soccer park and the list goes on. I'm Proud to have been born bred and lived her for 52 of my 54 years. Our children are Rotorua People and they have a vested interest in Rotorua like you and your Children and Grandchildren. Enough about me its you that count and service to you for you is my goal.  Im in your hands.Thank you.

 

Top 5 Issues

1. Youth Crime and Community well being. Cleaning up the bad rap that Rotorua has been receiving lately by pro-actively engaging with the youth of Rotorua.
2. Ensure our education, health, welfare, roading, Property services and infrastructure can meet our needs into the future.
3. Work with Central Government, Iwi, EBOP, Sector Groups to promote Rotorua's future and to make a difference towards water quality in our lakes and clean air.
4. Support TOTALLY - Castlecorp, Rotorua Museum, Rotorua Library, Rotorua Aquatic Centra and parks to provide reasonably priced services
5. Stand up for ALL Residents/Rate Payers

Personal Profile

Born in Rotorua.

went to RBHS, Rotorua Intermediate and Malfroy Schools.

Played Hockey, coxswain for rowing.

Married denise in 1979 have three great kids liz, wills and Cam.

Bred Horses, did gundog trialling and rugby referee.

Elected to Ngo Community board 1987 and RDC in 1989.

Been chair of Parks and currently chair of Finance.

Been relected 7 terms. looking forward to the mayoralty battle and making history.

I enjoy meeting new people, I have a loving interest in all things that effect Rotorua and following my family's sporting and musical pursuits.