Electing 6 Councillors
No issues on file for Robin Atkins.
No issues on file for Alan Blair .
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: This is critical: we need to make use of our road and rail links and our position in the central north island. We need to encourage new industry by offering rates relief to businesses that bring 20/50 jobs to the district. This then will have a down stream effect of growing the local economy. Working families are productive families.
- RATES INDEXED TO INFLATION : (or below) Every family has to live within a budget, so should the council. Should a major capital project be proposed for the area that would increase rates a binding referendum should be held by council.
Council budget and fiscal responsibility equals affordable rates for families. - EDUCATION : The council has the South Waikato Investment Fund. This is money that is invested to off set the cost of rates. I say lets take out a leaf from Southlands polytechnic zero fees approach. Many of our young and brightest leave the district for tertiary education. I say lets invest in our young people and support polytechnic, trade training and apprenticeship schools so that our young people can grow and flourish. Education of our youth creates families and youths with a positive future and a hope.
- SOCIAL POLICY : We have significant health and social needs with in our community. We need to look at policies and support around access to general practitioners, hospital treatment, drug and alcohol, budgeting services and social work support.
We have seen there is public support around action around domestic violence, pokie gambling and an over supply of alcohol outlets. The council needs to make policy around issues of social harm so that we can protect our families. Healthy families build healthy communities.
No issues on file for Frances Campbell.
No issues on file for Wendy Cook.
No issues on file for Lyn Corban.
- Rural Health.
That there is a clear message that the Tokoroa Hospital is not going to be closed.
Recently our CEO Clive Climo had indicated at a Public Meeting held at the Tokoroa Hospital Library that after considerable indepth feasability research and consultations that moving the Hospital would not be viable or productive. - Economic Stimulation.
Attracting new, positive and viable enterprises into the District brings jobs and employment.
Celebrating and showcasing our Cultural Festivals - untapped and underrated.
- Our Youth in the District.
Completing the Event Centre so that all our Youth in the District are able to participate in i.e; Hip Hop Comps, Youth Rock Quest for the District and creating their own music/video Competitions. Developing, supporting and growing our Youth in Performing Arts. The list is limited only by the lack of imagination. - Our Eldery and our families.
The care of our Elderly is important, ensuring that they are informed of all their entitlements in their 'Golden Years'.
Safety for all our families seems to be an issue and a growing concern for parents with young children and young teenagers.
Parents are worried about gangs in town!!!
- Strengthen our relationship between Maori and Pacific.
Tokoroa has always been and always will be a MULTICULTURAL community.
"Tokoroa - the heart of the South Waikato with the beat of the Pacific" The Cook Island Community here in Tokoroa consider that Tokoroa as the 16th Island in the Cook Group.
Both our cultures have contributed a special flavour, colour and inclusiveness. Creating a unique platform with opportunities to do what we do well and showcase our cultures.
No issues on file for Max Davis.
No issues on file for Johnny Dryden.
No issues on file for Mike Gubb.
- COMMUNITIES AS ONE. I will lobby for the creation of an enabling environment with appropriate policy and legal frameworks; integration and inclusion of the diverse communities in our district to incorporate into a prevailing group so that every member can feel empowered to actively contribute, volunteer and participate in the civic life of our multicultural district where no one is living in isolation or a mental or emotional condition.
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. Provide development of a culture or improvement of the mind by education or training. Human resource development and strengthening of managerial systems. Supporting access to quality Secondary education. Funding for Youth education is a priority. The process of equipping individuals with the understanding, skills and access to information, knowledge and training that enables them to perform effectively. Which encourages opportunities for job growth and progress. Create an environment which helps people get things done.
- SUCCESSFULLY FIGHTING CRIME. I will fully support the NZ Police to reduce crime in the South Waikato District. As a Councillor I must apply pressure on Council to bring about the prevention of all Gang affiliated paraphernalia (gear) being worn in our CBD Areas. If this requires a bylaw to bring this about then a bylaw will be introduced. Alcohol outlets must be decreased, gambling provisions must be reduced and then domestic violence in the district will decrease. Full support must be given to the South Waikato Safer Community Council and the South Waikato Emergency Services.
- FAIR RATES FOR FAIR SERVICES. Cost effective solutions, our waste management, accountability from contractors and service providers, value for money from rates, decent infrastructure investment. Rates must be controlled and very careful public consultation is to take place. Fixed income earners must be considered when rate increases are being put in place. The South Waikato District has in place in Tokoroa “Very low cost Access Funding” which means reduced Doctor and Prescription costs.
- COMMUNITY ASSETS. My vision is to work hard to keep our community assets in public hands, especially our precious water infrastructure; for more investment in local roading, for a safer, cleaner environment, protecting our precious farmland, forests, industry and for a strong, vibrant district economy. Provision of free access to the internet must be provided. I will fight to keep our rates and water charges under control. Above all, I will fight to maintain local services and make sure the real power stays in the hands of local people.
No issues on file for Ken Mconie.
- Rates control -
We need to recognise that in these current economic times it is tough for everyone and low income, fixed income and employers are all affected. It is important that we are always prudent with ratepayers money and I will fight for good rates control. - Provision of sustainable Health Services for Tokoroa -
Aging doctors is an issue for Tokoroa and the inability to attract young GP's or hospital doctors is a major concern. I will support the efforts already underway to address this.
We need to retain our hospital and improve the services out of the hospital and again I will work and support this effort. - Keep Tokoroa Going Forward -
I would like to see Tokoroa be a progressive town offering economic opportunities that attract people to live here, a town sustained by strong governance, vibrant social connections and responsible environmental management.
A huge amount of work is already going on to support new businesses and exisitng business expansion. Interest in Tokoroa is high and it is important that this momentum continues. Current interest in the district could yield over 280 new jobs and we need to retain the experience and the relationships that have made this happen. - Sport and Event Centre moving forward to completion.
- Waste Management Strategy -
We need to get this underway as soon as possible to address the issues of rubbish disposal, recycling, greenwaste and the cost to our ratepayers. Doing nothing is not an option.
No issues on file for Brenda Watkins.
No issues on file for Pius Zammit.
