I have lived in Wellington for over 40 years and love the city and its people. I am generally happy with the direction the Council is taking the city but I feel it could take the opportunity to better engage with its residents.

The council fulfils its legal requirement to consult with the public about matters of interest to the community. But it could do better. Having council staff examine options and report back with a recommendation before consulting with the public is a missed opportunity.

I would like to see residents given an earlier opportunity to make suggestions and contribute local knowledge which would better inform council officers and give them clear options to explore.

Currently people who present submissions to council are often not given adequate reasons why their proposals are ignored and it's easy to see why some people have lost heart and stopped engaging with the council.

It concerns me that less than half of eligible Wellingtonians voted in the 2007 elections. I can only presume this apathy is because most people think they don't have much influence on council decision making.

I will do all I can to reverse this trend and energise the community to contribute their views and opinions, while working within Council to change the culture so that those views do have an impact on council decision making.

That is not to say that everyone will get what they ask for. That is not possible as people will have contrasting views on many issues but if people take the time to engage with the council they must come away from the experience feeling that is is worthwhile continuing to be part of our city's decision making process.

Top 5 Issues

1. Public Consultation
   
   My major concern is that Wellingtonians are disengaging from the Council.
   We are wasting our greatest resource... you. Council should be made up of people who listen and act in accordance with your wishes.
   I will not support faux competitions or ‘Claytons’ consultation.
2. Infrastructure
   
   Looking after the basics is the very reason the Council exists at all. Managing water (fresh, waste and storm), roads, parks/playgrounds, libraries, public toilets, promoting the city, supporting business, etc. must be where the Council directs the bulk of its attention and resource.
3. Council spending
   
   I am concerned at Wellington's debt levels. I recognise that debt is a part of managing the city but I will work to keep it at manageable levels.
   I applaud the Council's work in beautifying parks but question whether all of this spending should be given priority over water/waste, roads and other infrastructure.
   - Why would you build a new deck when your house needs re-piling?
4. Traffic
   
   The lack of congestion during school holidays shows this is the area we need to focus on to reduce peak hour traffic. We need to engage with schools, pupils, parents and staff to find more efficient ways to get students and staff to and from school.
   This needs to be done in conjunction with improving public transport and cycleways.
5. Decisions made in camera
   
   Council often cites commercial sensitivity when questioned about how it spends rate-payer money and how it reaches certain decisions. Of course there are times when this is a valid reason for keeping information out of the public arena but it should be the exception rather than the rule.

Personal Profile

My motivation for standing in these local body elections is to be part of a Wellington City Council that actively engages with the community and respects and responds to its needs.

As Timetable Officer for Massey University Wellington I manage competing demands for finite resources. I must keep an eye on the big picture and make the best choices for the resources we have – all the time remembering that the decisions I make must work well for a wide range of people. These skills will greatly assist me to make the best choices for the Southern Ward in particular and Wellington as a whole.

My professional background includes retail, business, music and journalism. I first worked in Newtown in the ANZ bank in the 1980s. Later I ran a home brew shop in Constable Street. I’ve been a professional musician and a Capital Times and TV3 journalist. I understand running a business and will work to keep our suburban shopping centres vibrant and profitable. This includes advocating for the wonderful festivals held annually at Newtown and Island Bay.

I live with my partner of 20 years and our young child. I still play in a band and try and have a run around a footie field every now and then. I am currently on the executive of the Newtown Residents Association and Wellington Diabetes Youth. In the past I sat on the executive of the University Cricket Club and the Wellington Hospital Repertory Society. I am a regular blood donor.

I ask you to please take the time to discover which of the candidates’ make sense to you and vote for them. I hope that person is me but regardless, please vote.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vote-Rex-Nairn/101699249891697