Stephanie Lambert

I have been a Regional Councillor before - for the lower part of the  Hutt Valley - in the 1990s.  Prior to that I was a Petone Borough Councillor, so I have experience in the political world of local bodies.  I am concerned that Upper Hutt is not getting "a fair deal"  and it seems that the further a place is from Wellington city centre, the less it features on the radar!

As a JP and marriage celebrant I know the people and the area well and feel that it is time for a fresh approach and a fresh face for Upper Hutt. 

Upper Hutt is a great place to live, but it needs to be seen as a great place in the region to do business, and take its place at the front for any economic recovery and development. 

The Wellington Regional Council needs to listen to the voice of the people "on the fringe" of the region, and should restrict itself to its regulatory role, thus ensuring fiscal care.

Top 5 Issues

1. I will establish regular communication with residents and the Upper Hutt City Council.
   I will bring a fresh energetic approach to the role and will not “sit on the fence”, I undertake to hold regular public meetings at both public Libraries so that ratepayers can hear what the Regional Council is doing and to listen to ratepayers’ concerns, ideas – communication is a two-way process. How often have you had that opportunity in the last 6 years ?
2. I will ensure effective Upper Hutt input into future regional transport planning and performance reporting on current services.
   Transport, and transport planning, are major issues for commuters. We all hope services will improve with the arrival of the new units, but communication with commuters needs to be improved now by providing timely information on delays; any problems with services to both rail and bus.
   Upper Hutt Railway Station is a public transport hub but it has been neglected – it needs a major revamp with decent signage; toilets; information for users; and extended shelters for commuters who have to wait on the platform.
   I believe the addition of double tracking should be considered from Trentham to Upper Hutt. Transport takes ¾ of the regional rate spend and we need to get value for our money.
3. I undertake to work closely with Upper Hutt City Council on the review of the Wellington Regional Strategy so that Upper Hutt can take advantage of any economy recovery and play a major role in the region.
   Upper Hutt is strategically placed to take advantage of economic recovery by positioning itself as a regional transport freight depot – it is close to major road and rail access points, and the Port of Wellington; any development of this should result in more jobs for our city and economic benefits.
   The upcoming review of the Wellington Regional Strategy should be used to secure long term benefits for Upper Hutt. We must participate in the region’s development, not stand in isolation but make our mark as a serious contributor to sensible progress.
4. As a region we need to conserve our natural resources – water, soil, plants; matched with sensible pest control.
   Conservation of natural resources continues to be a high priority, particularly water use which should be owned by ratepayers. I do not believe in water meters, but strongly advocate educating people about water use. I also believe that every new home should have a water tank installed as part of the new building – if only for watering the garden and washing the car. A water tank is also great investment for any civil defence emergency.
   
   
5. Regional Parks and Forests are a large part of the land mass in Upper Hutt and service local residents and many visitors – these should continued to be funded for summer programmes, but prudent expenditure is the aim.
   I am not in favour of providing funding for Enviroschools as a regional requirement – that is a Central Government role and should be funded by Central government.
   
   

Personal Profile

Stephanie Lambert

Justice of the Peace, Marrriage Celebrant. Ran my own businesss for 20 years, work as a Librarian/researcher.  Was heavily involved in Barnardos, Cistizens Advice Bureau, and women's service clubs.   I have been married to Paul for 33 years.  We lived in Petone for 20 years, then moved to Upper Hutt where my mother's family came from.   We now live in a rural environment so  I understand the concerns of both rural and urban residents.