VOTE

Richard Whiteside

for

Hutt Mana Charitable Trust

I think its time for a change! I want fresh faces! That why I’m standing for the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust!

I’ll bring strong, intelligent but fair leadership to the Hutt representatives on the Trust. Trustees are elected to manage the trust’s funds to maximise the return to the community. I will be doggedly determined to make sure that happens.

I have the right skills and personality to achieve these objectives. I have 18 years experience as a successful business owner. I’m 42 years old, married with young children. Check out my website for more info www.richardwhiteside.co.nz or call me, Richard Whiteside direct on ph 04 889 0515.

My Vison

Using my knowledge, skills and expertise to help grow the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust assets and maximise the returns to the community. Ensuring responsible decision making and requiring the Trust to be open and accessible to the public.

Top 5 Issues

1. The Trust lost over $8 Million in the last 2 years. A 20% loss of community money
2. The Trust has actually lost money since its inception in 2004 and is now worth less than the original $35 million invested for the good of the community, this is despite going through the best economic times for a generation
3. Grants have dramatically reduced to community groups who are in desperate need in tough times
4. Meanwhile the trust according to its last accounts had $14 million on deposit with banks earning between 2% - 3% interest - barely keeping up with inflation!
5. A recent Crown Law report suggested the trust should conduct its affairs in a more transparent way.
   
   6. Public arguing & bitter rivalry between its 2 Lower Hutt trustees (Ogden & Terris) has been a distracting side show
   
   7. Meanwhile a comparable trust in Masterton is celebrating grants reaching record levels for their community! See Link on the left "Record grants by Land Trust"
   

Personal Profile

Who am I?

 I'm a proud dad of 3 sons - Zac (11) Ronnie (6) & our new baby son Charlie. Ive been married to Liz for 17 years.

 My first job was as a commercial property manager. I worked my way up the corporate ladder until I was in charge of a prime portfolio of high rise buildings in Wellington worth in excess of $150 million.

 At the relatively young age of 24 I went into my own business. I leased, then purchased and redeveloped the Shepherds Arms Hotel in Tinakori Road from 1992 until the end of 2004. I've owned various other businesses in Hospitality, Retail, Property and Consultancy.

 I've also been very involved in the fight against Exide's lead pollution of Petone. The Hutt News called me "the Exide Watchdog"!

 I have a strong interest in heritage buildings and worked hard to ensure the redevelopment of the Tinakori Road village reflected its historical surroundings.

 Since selling my Hotel I've taken the time to pursue some passions film, theatre & acting. I've totally loved being involved since starting out at Hutt Repertory in 2004. Becoming President in 2007. The last 3 - 4 years I've mainly concentrated on getting experience in film and recently helped produce a short film.