Top 5 Issues

1. People before profit
   
   My policies are based on my belief that local councils should reflect the views of the local community: the average Dunedin ratepayer, community groups, workers, parents, etc, as these groups are the backbone of our society.
   
   Currently Local body politicians reflect the interests of corporations, and elite business that for sometime have controlled the direction of Dunedin’s future. In reality it is the minority groups, and small business that keep this wonderful City ticking along.
   
   In order for Dunedin to move forward in a positive direction, we need to focus on sensible decision making and unity. Previous local governments have divided Dunedin residents, and created a gap between those for and against big projects.
   
   It is my aim to rebuild the trust that previous councils have systematically destroyed through poor decision making, and dictating rather than advocating for the people of Dunedin.
   
   
2. Real public consultation
   
   Dunedin people elect Councillors to represent their interests. It is important to have a diverse group of Councillors to reflect our diverse City.
   
   elected representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the people, and therefore it is important for Councillors to stay in touch with their constituents, and consult with them on the issues that affect them.
   
   It has become apparent to me over the years dealing with the DCC that the process of 'having a say' is complicated and confusing.
   
   Having five minutes to speak at a public forum, where you are likely to be verbally assaulted by Councillors is not a fair, safe environment.
   
   Local body politics is often confusing to the average person, and the thought of getting involved to have your say is often overwhelming to many people, not to mention disheartening when you are ignored.
   
   I also feel strongly that youth need to be more included with local body issues.
   
   
   
3. Clean, Safe, Free, drinking water
   
   Free
   
   Water is a necessity of life, a human right. It is highly unethical to charge money for water. 
   In a society where industry endeavours to capitalise anything and everything they can, it is important we draw a line. 
   Being able to drink when you are thirsty should not depend on your income.
   
   We must find solutions to protect and manage our precious water resources, rather than giving into the will of huge transnational corporations who's only concern is to generate profit. 
   
   The attitude of the current National Government towards privatisation of water will have a big impact on communities all across New Zealand. The National Government has allowed councils to sign contracts allowing corporations to control local water systems for 35 years. 
   
   The global water industry is dominated by two mega companies Suez and Veolia. A subsidiary of Veolia is United Water, and already they are worming their way into New Zealand.
   
   Clean
   Many water treatment stations around New Zealand are moving with technology, and finding alternative ways to kill harmful bacteria, without the use of chemicals that have the potential to create harmful side-effects in water consumers.
   
   Mount Grand currently has a UV filtration system that kills a certain amount of the total bacteria. Unfortunately we still require the addition of chlorine at this stage. I envision working towards a filtration system that promotes good health, whilst being free from harmful bacteria.
   
   Safe
   Water is a key element to human life. The public water supply should not be a means for Public Health officials to deliver medication.
   
   Dunedin's water supply is currently medicated with Silico-fluoride, a neurological toxin that is an industrial waste product that we import from Belgium. 
   
   I do not believe that our water should be a vessel for any type of medication under ANY circumstances. Council members are not qualified doctors, and therefore should not prescribe medication to Dunedin residents.
   
4. Promotion of positive local Iwi relationships.
   
   On a National level the Maori party has gone someway towards giving Maori an institutional political voice. On a local body level I see many areas where Maori participation is lacking. While the blueprints of a healthy relationship between Council and Iwi are set-out in the Kai Tahu Ki resource management plan, the practicability of implementing aspects of this plan seems to have escaped the list of Council priorities.
   
   Political establishments both locally and nationally, use their relationship with Iwi as a popularity tool to be used for advantage when it suits.
   
   I believe that there are fundamental differences between Western and Maori resource management perspectives. These differences have at times divided individuals, groups, and organisations. Simply put, the clear divide between the two management views, is that Western approaches to resource planning, diminish all the senses of the spirit to dollar signs. Whereas the Maori rationality recognises value that is intrinsic and unrelated to economic systems.
   
   I advocate for the well-being of the people and the environment before profit. We must create an economically viable City, which does not imperil the people and the land which they care for. Given the mistakes of the past there are many lessons to be gathered up, shared & learnt from in the knowledge basket of resource management.
   
   If elected, I will advocate for closer ties with local Iwi.
   
5. Lobby for the DCC Chief Executive to be elected not appointed.
   
   It is completely unacceptable for the Chief Executive to get $335,000 (for the year to June 2009)a year, create policy, influence Council, and generally run a muck at our expense. We must break the cycle of high ranking bureaucrats getting appointed by their friends with huge pay-packets and zero accountability!
   

Personal Profile

Authorised by Olive McRae of 606 Mt. Cargill Rd, RD 2, Waitati, Dunedin