I am standing for Council because I am appalled at the performance of our elected representatives over the past three years.  From putting up the rents of the elderly poor by 24% (a decision later overturned as illegal), tp purchasing properties in a sweetheart deal from an insolvent property developer, to agreeign to act as banker to the doomed Music School project at the Arts Centre, ppor decisions are the norm for this Council. I can do better.  I am a bright, well-educated and experienced businesswoman, ex-MP, Mother, Grandmother, with a friendly approach and a good sense of humour.  I live in the real world and know that people want a fair, effective Council.

Top 5 Issues

1. Accountability for decision-making. A range of poor decisions have been made over the past three years by the incumbent Council, that have proved costly to ratepayers. They must be held accountable for their decisions!
2. Intelligent, open decision-making. Decisions are made on the hoof, by ill-informed Councillors who then make bad choices. I want proper, effective, considered decision-making.
3. Bring back Council Committees - these were abolished 6 years ago, with the effect that Councillors have reduced knowledge and understanding of core issues - and it shows.
4. Stop wasting ratepayers money on things like a blow-up igloo that may one day be put up in the square. And purchasing inner- city properties....
5. Earthquake recovery. The city is badly damaged and we need excellent decision making to fix and improve it, and ensure that all citizens are safely housed. I don't trust the current Council to make good decisions.

Personal Profile

Local businesswoman

Managing Director, Network Research

Lives in Hornby

Was an Alliance MP from 1996 to 2002

Ex- Governor on the Massey University Council

Chair, Quality Public Education Coalition

Editor, New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies

Board member, Howard League for Penal Reform

Community Activist