I have been privileged to have been Mayor of the Tasman District for the last three years.  During that time I believe my vision and leadership has been instrumental in helping our district maintain its positive and progressive outlook.

I am a decisive leader and communicator, working cooperatively with various groups.

I work constructively with adjoining Councils and support the development of attractive, vibrant, well connected towns.

I will protect the long-term quality of our environment and encourage innovative business development.

I will also continue to work for a business friendly Council, aiming to reduce unnecessary costs and timeframes.

I am 54, have been married to Jane for 31 years.  We have four children, and two granddaughters.

 

 

 

Top 5 Issues

1. Delivering core services at an affordable price. Another way of saying this is keeping rates increases as low as possible. I think this is the key issue for our council and perhaps all councils.
2. It is very important that I and Tasman District Council support the communities in our district. We have a document which identifies projects tho be carried out in the 17 main settlements in our district. Community Boards, Residents Associations and Community Councils are fundamentally important to link these communities with Council. If re-elected I will be making a top priority improving the relationship with our two community boards.
3. I see the enabling of the Lee Valley Dam as the most important development for the region over the next ten years. It is critical that there is provision of an augmented water supply on the Waimea Plain. I am a strong supporter of the Waimea Water Augmentation Committee (WWAC) running the feasibility study for this project. While WWAC is independent of Councils, this group has had strong support from both Councils and particularly Tasman. WWAC is currently establishing the preferred structure to own, and fund the dam. I fully support this process and will do everything possible to lead the Council decision-making relating to this project
4. In Motueka there are two critical water related issues. One is improving flood control which at a standard and cost which is acceptable to the people of Motueka. A second is deciding whether to reticulate the 75% of the town that has personal bore water - this will need confirmation whether governments drinking water subsidy is available and whether Motueka residents support this.
5. Working constructively and effectively with Nelson City Council, and other adjoining councils, to develop shared services in order to make economic savings where possible. I am commited to establishing and maintaining a good working relationship with elected representatives of these adjoining councils.

Personal Profile

I am 54 years of age, married to Jane for 31 years.  We have four children aged 23 to 29 and three grand children aged newborn to 5.  I have lived most of my life in Tasman, brought up in Eves Valley in Waimea West, attending Brightwater School, then Waimea Intermediate and College and completing a Batchelor of Science at Otago University.

Jane and I owned an orchard in Appleby from 1980 to 2001.  After selling the orchard we shifted to Richmond where we have lived since. I am Chairman of the New Zealand Agrichemical Education Trust and New Zealand Boysenberry Council, and have several leadership functions within our district including Chair of the Tasman Regional Sports Trust.  I have really enjoyed and found a priviledge leading the Tasman District Council.  We operate very well as a team effectively making decisions for our very large and rurally diverse district.