Six years ago I talked about South Waikato being a sleeping giant. We have woken the giant up; the District is moving forward.  I am actively promoting our central position and the business friendly protocols that this Council has set up.

 Trades training, dairy companies, other industries, the River Trails, Warm homes all happening. Ongoing efforts to get further industry taking place.

We have to build on our achievements of the last six years and face the needs of our exciting future but to do that we need experience, dedication and ability to achieve. Then the District will realize its full potential.

I recognize that one of our major concerns is the provision of good health services, primary and secondary. Resolution of that is one of my priorities.

I am proud to be the leader of Council and the South Waikato will keep going forward with Neil Sinclair as Mayor.

Top 5 Issues

1. Provision of good primary and secondary health services is the number one priority for the next term. Our Hospital must be saved and provide the services the community need.
2. Council’s Business friendly protocols have been successful in attracting several new businesses Over 250 new jobs will eventuate when they all star but Youth unemployment is an ongoing concern and must be addressed. The youth training centre will need to be enlarged.
3. Waste management is essential. As good as our re-cycling is more needs to be done if we are going to implement an effective waste minimization programme.
4. The South Waikato must retain its independence to protect local democracy. That means the partnerships we have developed with Raukawa and neighbouring Councils must be further enhanced and that will only happen when there is respect and honesty on both side. We have achieved that relationship and it must not be damaged.
5. Council’s support of the River Trails is a major reason why the trust was able to be first off the block with the Prime Minister. That must continue and become part of the link Council is discussing with Rotorua. It will be a major boost to the tourism industry in the Central North Island.

Personal Profile

 I have been a full time Mayor for six years and I want to continue serving the South Waikato community, your community as YOUR Mayor for the next three years.    I have passion for and pride in our community, leadership skills, vision, and good business experience, am able to forge partnerships and am not afraid of hard work. I have shown all of this as your full time Mayor. I have had extensive community involvement, and know how both Local and Central Government work

 Our Youth Park, our Trade training center, our Warm Homes project, a great Youth Council, the support to the River trails Trust, new baths and library in Putaruru  and the on-going work on the great rail/ cycle way from Rotorua are all there because of good leadership of a great team.

 Our business friendly protocols are producing results. Employment for our youth is vital and with the new industry that is committed to coming we will have over 250 new jobs. Two dairy factories have been granted Resource consents, Blue Pacific Minerals is here, the two supermarkets are underway; the new Farmlands in Putaruru is being built and I expect to announce new enterprises in Tokoroa, Putaruru and Tirau shortly and the farm conversions gave our economy a boost; 90 new homes.

  The partnerships that have been made through hard work and respect with Raukawa Trust Board and neighbouring Councils of Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, and Rotorua mean that I have shown we can work together on issues like the River Settlement, the Regional Policy Statement, shared building consents and still retain our independence. I believe in the South Waikato being independent, efficient and financially prudent.

 Our health services are a number 1 challenge. Fortunately we have developed a strong relationship with the DHB and there has been a lot of very frank talking. Tokoroa wasn’t in the first list of the considered Integrated Health centers but now it is up the top of the list.

 Who else could stand up to the critics about our District better than I have? I have been able to face them all and show just how great we are.

 With your vote I will lead a team that will keep the South Waikato going forward. The giant is awake.

 A vote for Neil Sinclair sees a dedicated, committed leader with passion leading a great community