Position and/or Ward standing for:

Mayoral candidate and Wairoa Ward

What specific actions will you support or implement to reduce waste going to landfill, and how will you encourage local businesses and households to participate in waste minimisation?

The opportunity is to explore a range of waste to value options that help reduce landfill pressure and create good outcomes for the district. These include composting food scraps and organic waste to produce soil products and energy, converting forestry waste into biochar, recycling/upcycling construction and demolition materials, turning plastics into usable products and generating energy from landfill gases. To support or enable these waste to value options, I would encourage change through education, partnerships and practical support. This would be through community workshops, information campaigns, making recycling and recovery centres more accessible, providing technical advice for businesses and setting district targets for waste reduction.

How do you plan to build climate change resilience in our community, particularly around infrastructure, housing, and emergency preparedness?

Climate Change is an important priority that requires a responsible approach from Kaipara District Council. The impact of weather events, Cyclone Gabrielle, droughts, tornado’s and storms have been increasing with expert modelling suggesting this will continue. Building resilience to climate change in relation to infrastructure, housing and emergency preparedness is a key responsibility of council and we need to look at options that improve current infrastructure support future actions . Key options include strengthening flood protection and storm water systems, promoting energy efficient housing, ensure flood prone areas are clearly identified, improving and supporting local emergency planning and preparedness. Other solutions include restoring wetland, coastal buffers and tree removal from rivers.

What is your stance on improving the health of our local waterways, and what measures would you prioritise to reduce pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems?

Our local rivers, lakes and wetlands require responsible actions to ensure there is consistent measures being undertaken. These could include reducing farm and urban run off, upgrading wastewater and stormwater systems, wetlands restoration, riparian planting and supporting community led monitoring. Enabling our communities to be actively involved in the health of our waterways increases capability and capacity and is our succession plan for the future.

How will you ensure that environmental sustainability is integrated into all areas of council decision-making, including transport, urban planning, and economic development?

Building a resilient future with environmental sustainability in all areas of council decision making is a key responsibility. Council needs to have an understanding of what the environmental principles are and how they should be embedded into transport planning, urban growth strategies and economic development initiatives. Increasing council responsibility in developing and applying environmental standards to council projects and procurement will key to building a resilient future.

What role do you believe local government should play in supporting community-led environmental initiatives, and how would you engage with tangata whenua in shaping these responses?

Kaipara District Council can play a pivotal role in supporting communities in environmental initiatives by providing resourcing and technical expertise. Council can also provide venues and space for collaboration and innovation. Engaging with our communities and listen to their voices is key for an enduring relationship. Meaningful engagement with manawhenua is another important relationship that council should have. Their intergenerational relationship that manawhenua have with te taiao provides council with valuable insight and information.

Position and/or Ward standing for:

Mayoral Candidate

What specific actions will you support or implement to reduce waste going to landfill, and how will you encourage local businesses and households to participate in waste minimisation?

Three-part plan:

1 Review KDC’s former vision for implementing a crate and bin household waste system to replace the bag system, seeking external funding to make the expensive one-off step-change of this project. This project would drive waste minimisation.

2 Expand and further develop the Sustainable Kaipara Construction Waste project, for recycling and re-use of materials as well as reducing waste to landfill. This would expand to include opportunities for tradies working across the fast-growing Kaipara District, as well as small businesses and larger companies.

3 Organic/green waste project for taking household food and greenwaste and generating compost from it. This project could involve schools across Kaipara District as well as KDC Refuse Centres. The schools may be able to sell the compost, so local buyers would be supporting their local school in partnership with KDC leading the overall project possibly with Sustainable Kaipara. This project would be highly localised.

How do you plan to build climate change resilience in our community, particularly around infrastructure, housing, and emergency preparedness?

Kaipara District Council needs to get real (again) about how building for climate change resilience will require external funding partners who have confidence the Council is sincere in its intentions to plan for long term issues. Having a climate resilience policy lens would be the first step, and specific projects with external funding would be able to be developed out of that. For example, the Raupo Drainage scheme has a single new floodgate which reduces the salt-water facing stopbanks of that system by 70km. This will reduce the requirement for other future sea-level rise mitigations in future. It was set up during the last Council, when KDC had a climate change policy expert on staff and KDC had credibility in this space. Personally as Mayor I helped with the Pakiri-Mangawhai anti-sandmining protest and presented on behalf of KDC at the resource consent hearing for this. Sandminers were taking sand which was eroding the distal spit at Mangawhai and making the place, Alamar Crescent in the first instance, vulnerable to significant coastal erosion risks in future. As Mayor I would help lead again in similar ways.

What is your stance on improving the health of our local waterways, and what measures would you prioritise to reduce pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems?

Water is of crucial importance. Planning regulations need to take account of sensitive areas and highly erodible soils. Improving the health of the waterways requires constant work. For example, the Mangawhai Wastewater Scheme as significantly reduced the pollution of Mangawhai Harbour, to the point it is regarded as the harbour in Northland with the best water. As the town continues to grow there will be significant new investment required for that water quality to remain at the same level. The reality is that improving health of waterways is expensive for ratepayers. Waterways are the work of the Northland Regional Council. For sediment control and erosion remediation efforts a large part of Kaipara District is in the zone of the Kaipara Moana Remediation programme; KDC is not part of this project. Developing a Good Neighbour Policy so KDC is working constructively alongside neighbouring partner organisations would be very constructive. 

How will you ensure that environmental sustainability is integrated into all areas of council decision-making, including transport, urban planning, and economic development?

Councils are supposed to be making decisions with consideration for the long-term future, not just near horizons. If elected Mayor I would regularly remind Councillors of this expectation. However, the Mayor is only one vote around the table when it comes to decision-making.

What role do you believe local government should play in supporting community-led environmental initiatives, and how would you engage with tangata whenua in shaping these responses?

As part of Smith’s Seven Steps for a Better Kaipara, steps 5 and 6 are particularly pertinent here: 5. Build bridges not walls with a Good Neighbour Policy – KDC as a great (though small) Council neighbour to key partners around us. 6. Smarter preparation with partners for successful external funding for projects. The idea of partners working in collaboration around environmental initiatives is part of the Kaipara way. When resources (including people) are few, then partners should lean in rather than not, to help get the job done and the desired outcomes. We all weave together.

Position and/or Ward standing for:

Mayoral Candidate and Wairoa Ward

What specific actions will you support or implement to reduce waste going to landfill, and how will you encourage local businesses and households to participate in waste minimisation?

As your Mayor, I’m committed to reducing the waste Kaipara sends to landfill. Together, we can build a smarter, cleaner, more sustainable district:

✅ What We’ll Do: Better Waste Systems Expand kerbside food & garden waste collection Improve local recycling & composting options and provide incentives for recycling Restrict single use plastic and encourage Glass as the alternative 🛠️ Support Local Solutions Incentivise repair cafés, op-shops, and zero-waste businesses 📚 Educate & Empower School & community workshops on composting and low-waste living 🏛️ Council Leads by Example Smarter procurement, less waste in Council projects Support for sorting waste in homes & businesses 🤝 Work With Iwi & Communities Co-create solutions based on kaitiakitanga and local knowledge 💬 How You Can Help: 🌱 Compost food scraps ♻️ Recycle right 🏪 Shop local and waste-free

How do you plan to build climate change resilience in our community, particularly around infrastructure, housing, and emergency preparedness?

Building climate change resilience is a continuous, evolving process. By working together, we can create a Kaipara that not only survives climate change but thrives in spite of it. Together, we will ensure that our homes, our families, and our businesses are protected — now and into the future. 🏗️ 1. Strengthening Infrastructure for Climate Resilience Flood Management & Stormwater Systems We’ll upgrade stormwater and flood management infrastructure to handle extreme weather events, especially in flood-prone areas like Dargaville and coastal towns. This includes enhancing drainage systems, reinforcing flood protection barriers, and using natural solutions like wetlands to manage water flow. Climate-Proofed Roads & Bridges We will ask Central Government to invest in upgrading roads and bridges with a focus on durability against extreme weather. Sustainable Energy Systems We are establishing through Mercury a windfarm which will be powering 37000 homes in 2026!We’ll work with local businesses and households to access solar, wind, and other renewable energy solutions. 🏡 2. Resilient Housing for All Low-Cost Housing Options As housing demand increases, we’ll ensure that new homes are built sustainably and with climate change in mind, offering affordable, resilient, and energy-efficient housing for all residents. Green Urban Planning We’ll focus on creating green spaces, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring new developments are integrated with natural landscapes. Sustainable urban planning will help with water absorption, air quality, and provide natural cooling during heatwaves. 🚨 3. Emergency Preparedness and Response Community-Based Emergency Plans We got shotchanged in Gabriel.Local communities need to be ready to act when disaster strikes. We’ll work closely with iwi, local leaders, and emergency services to create community-specific emergency plans, focusing on the most vulnerable areas like our coastal and low-lying regions. Training & Awareness Ensuring all Kaipara residents know what to do in the event of a climate emergency is critical. We’ll hold regular training sessions, workshops, and simulations to prepare households and businesses for extreme weather events, flooding, and other emergencies. Stockpiles & Resources We’ll work with local councils and civil defence to stockpile emergency supplies like water, non-perishable food, medical supplies, and shelter materials. We’ll also make sure evacuation routes and shelters are well-maintained and easily accessible. 🌍 4. Collaboration and Advocacy Partnering with Iwi and Community Groups Climate change impacts are unevenly distributed, and we must ensure that the most vulnerable communities are supported. By working alongside iwi and local community groups, we can ensure that Māori knowledge, perspectives, and values are woven into our resilience strategies. Advocacy for Funding and Policy Change We will advocate at the national level for funding, policies, and regulations that support local resilience efforts — whether it’s funding for climate change adaptation projects or policies around sustainable agriculture and land use. 🌱 5. Encouraging Sustainable Practices and Solutions Supporting Climate-Smart Agriculture Agriculture is key to Kaipara’s economy. We’ll help local farmers implement climate-smart farming practices that conserve water, reduce carbon emissions, and increase soil health. This includes promoting regenerative farming methods and sustainable land management. Engaging with Businesses I’ll work closely with local businesses to help them prepare for and adapt to climate impacts. Whether it’s preparing for supply chain disruptions or upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, we’ll offer support and guidance for a low-carbon future.

What is your stance on improving the health of our local waterways, and what measures would you prioritise to reduce pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems?

Scale Up Riparian Planting & Wetland Restoration Continue KMR’s successful trajectory by expanding fenced riparian buffers and restoring wetlands—especially in high-erodibility zones. Enable planting of native species to stabilize banks, capture sediment, and provide biodiversity corridors. Strengthen Sediment Management on Productive Land Support landowners with targeted Sediment Reduction Plans. Include hillslope stabilization, contour planting, and managing stock access to river margins. Maintain and Strengthen Ongoing Monitoring Keep and expand water quality monitoring—particularly E. coli, nutrients, and turbidity—to provide early warnings and data-driven management. Make monitoring data accessible through public dashboards (like NRC’s Environmental Data Hub) to build transparency and community awareness. Increase Community Engagement & Capacity Building Continue empowering local communities via programmes like KMR and Freshwater Projects with co-designed delivery. Facilitate school-based restoration (e.g., Enviroschools), volunteer planting days, and iwi-led kaitiakitanga initiatives. Improve Infrastructure Resilience Invest in wastewater and stormwater upgrades to prevent contamination events like sewage spills during heavy rains.

How will you ensure that environmental sustainability is integrated into all areas of council decision-making, including transport, urban planning, and economic development?

Ensuring environmental sustainability is integrated into all areas of local governance—like transport, urban planning, and economic development—is crucial for creating a resilient and thriving Kaipara . Transport: Sustainable Mobility Solutions Ensure that the transport system is designed for low-carbon, energy-efficient, and people-centered mobility. Public Transport & Active Transport: Through Northern Regional Council: arrange public transport options (e.g., buses, shared ride services, or electric vehicles) that reduce reliance on private cars. Prioritize active transport infrastructure (e.g., bike lanes, walking paths) in urban and suburban planning to reduce car dependency and carbon footprints. Sustainable Road Maintenance: Use low-impact materials for road maintenance and construction (e.g., recycled materials) to reduce the environmental impact of infrastructure. Prioritize water-sensitive urban design in transport networks to manage stormwater runoff and preserve natural waterways. Green Spaces and Urban Forests: Increase the number of urban green spaces and community gardens, making them a key feature of all new developments to ensure that they act as carbon sinks, enhance biodiversity, and provide social well-being. Implement tree planting initiatives to increase urban canopy cover, reduce urban heat island effects, and sequester carbon. Sustainable Business Incentives: Create financial incentives (e.g., tax breaks, grants, subsidies) for businesses that adopt sustainable practices—such as those that reduce waste, use renewable energy, or implement zero-carbon supply chains. Offer incentives for green technology startups that focus on renewable energy, waste reduction, or sustainable food production, ensuring that Kaipara becomes a leader in the green economy. Support Local and Sustainable Industries: Prioritize the development of local food systems, encouraging sustainable farming and aquaculture practices that support Kaipara’s biodiversity and reduce reliance on imported goods. Encourage sustainable tourism by promoting ecotourism ventures that respect local cultures, conserve natural resources, and support local economies. Circular Economy Initiatives: Develop local waste-to-resource initiatives (e.g., composting, recycling) that help create jobs while reducing landfill dependence and fostering sustainability in production. Invest in resource recovery facilities that turn waste products into raw materials for local industries, fostering a circular economic model. Public Consultation and Engagement: Involve the community and local iwi in decision-making processes, especially when projects impact local ecosystems or traditional land use. Encourage community-led sustainability projects and support local environmental initiatives, ensuring that Kaipara’s residents have a voice in shaping their sustainable future. Sustainability Education: Integrate environmental education into local schools, community centers, and public programs to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability.

What role do you believe local government should play in supporting community-led environmental initiatives, and how would you engage with tangata whenua in shaping these responses?

Local government should be the conduit for initiatives taken by community as well as the organisations so involved. Help of Central government is essential to support the initiatives as the ratepayers are much burdened with unnecessary projects making affordability as the Key issue!

Position and/or Ward standing for:

Otamatea Ward

What specific actions will you support or implement to reduce waste going to landfill, and how will you encourage local businesses and households to participate in waste minimisation?

I’m a massive advocate for waste minimisation. And I’m a big fan of Sustainable Kaipara, and the local work they are doing for our communities. I’ve had the privilege of engaging some of the team in the past and was really supportive of their waste minimisation strategy around construction waste. If elected, I would advocate for: As part of the consenting process, I will ensure developers submit waste minimisation plans to reduce landfill impact and encourage reuse and recycling of materials. Explore rates rebates or grants for households and businesses that demonstrate leadership in waste reduction. Waste minimisation will be integrated into council asset management and infrastructure planning. Better drop-off points for rubbish and recycling for back roads in Paparoa, Tinopai, and Matakohe, Maungatūroto ensuring they are safe, accessible, and regularly serviced. As mentioned 100% love the work Sustainable Kaipara does with community workshops on composting. I’d actually like to be present and champion waste minimisation as an elected member.

How do you plan to build climate change resilience in our community, particularly around infrastructure, housing, and emergency preparedness?

As the Chair of Climate Adaptation Joint Committee for Te Taitokerau, community-led adaptation planning was a key outcome of the strategy we developed to guide Councils on how support communities in climate adaptation. I would bring that back to the table in partnership with local hapū/iwi. Through my role with Te Uri o Hau, we received resourcing to run a pilot with three marae to start climate adaptation in the Kaipara. I want to partner directly with regional councils and the Crown to work in our wider communities on adaptation planning. In terms of emergency preparedness, I have applied for funding directly from the Crown to stand up marae as emergency hubs in severe weather events. This is of benefit for all communities, not just Māori – manaakitanga isn’t subject to political positions. If elected, I would Embed climate risk assessments into all council infrastructure planning to future-proof assets against flooding, sea level rise and drought. Strengthen civil defence partnerships and community readiness by investing in local emergency response plans and infrastructure. Develop community-led and hapū-led coastal adaptation plans using adaptive pathways planning. Through my relationships with NRC, AC and Mfe, I’d utilise the learning, methods and resources for Kaipara. This will minimise adding to the ratepayers’ bill. Require energy efficiency assessments for large developments and promote passive solar design principles in building consents. Embed low-impact design in subdivision rules using permeable surfaces, swales, and native planting for sustainable stormwater.

What is your stance on improving the health of our local waterways, and what measures would you prioritise to reduce pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems?

Given my former role with Te Uri o Hau as the environmental manager and now Te Uri o Hau Partnership Manager with have a clear stance on improving our local waterways. We are part of the Kaipara Moana Remediation which is about preventing sediment going into the harbours. I’m also working with policy teams with Auckland Council and NRC to look at policies that protect our waterways. I’m currently working with Auckland Council on their Water Strategy which provides guidance to Councils how to measure their performance when managing water. If elected, I would, Protect freshwater ecosystems by improving water quality monitoring and supporting riparian planting across catchments. Create wildlife corridors and habitat sanctuaries to support native species migration under climate change. I will continue to work with regional councils on policies and National Directions on NPS-FM and the Freshwater Farm Plan regulations.

How will you ensure that environmental sustainability is integrated into all areas of council decision-making, including transport, urban planning, and economic development?

Kaipara is primarily rural, but with the emerging Northern Corridor sustainable development is a must. In my role I have key relationships with Waka Kotahi and other industries that could open discussion for Kaipara. Further I have relationship with Auckland Transport around their policy direction on transport. If elected, I would Secure funding through central government and infrastructure partnerships for safer, resilient roads. Partner with regional councils and Waka Kotahi to investigate cross district public transport options between Whangārei and Auckland. Engage the Northern Corridor development to ensure regional connectivity doesn’t impact local traffic congestion, safety and resilience. Invest in critical infrastructure including roads, and water systems to support business operations and community resilience Upgrade digital infrastructure and connectivity to enable remote work, online business, and access to education and services.

What role do you believe local government should play in supporting community-led environmental initiatives, and how would you engage with tangata whenua in shaping these responses?

Āe, local government has a responsibility to support community-led and hapū-led environmental initiatives. Furthermore, they have a bigger responsibility under the RMA to uphold the purpose of the Act, which can indirectly enable and incentivise local environmental initiatives. As the RMA Reform emerges in its next iteration, local bodies need to be ready to ensure that local environmental initiatives and priorities are not watered down through a more permissive regional spatial plan. Nor elevate regional policies that promote economic development over the intent of the Act, which is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources. There must be a balance. This means local bodies have to listen to the community voice and tangata whenua voice to manage resources so that present needs are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A common voice under Te Tiriti only strengthens environmental initiatives – kaitiakitanga shouldn’t just be ‘provided for’ it should be ‘given effect’ for all – kaitiakitanga is not a concept only for Māori, it is a social presence that we can all reconcile with and uphold together. With my rural ‘local’ voice, and this is just my interpretation, because I’m half Māori and Pākēha – tangata whenua and tangata tiriti are what I would called the ‘locals’, and we have a duty of care to those who come to raise their children and their mokopuna with us here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Together, we have a special culture and I’m proud of my ancestry, my ‘localness’. If elected, I will continue to uphold the values and views I was raised with.

Position and/or Ward standing for:

Otamatea Ward

What specific actions will you support or implement to reduce waste going to landfill, and how will you encourage local businesses and households to participate in waste minimisation?

I think Sustainable Kaipara is in part doing the council’s job for it; I need to pursue ways of providing financial support for SK. A lot of our rubbish is construction waste and I believe some pilot projects have been done on construction sites to sort the waste at source so it is more re-useable. I’d be keen to support education about that.

How do you plan to build climate change resilience in our community, particularly around infrastructure, housing, and emergency preparedness?

I think the focus should be on reducing pollution so that local citizens get the benefit of any changes. Also re-introduce measurement of KDC emissions – you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Then investigate ways of turning the waste identified (mostly from sewerage treatment plants) into a resource that can be used.

What is your stance on improving the health of our local waterways, and what measures would you prioritise to reduce pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems?

Its something that needs to be factored in when designing and building infrastructure. Personally I formed a landcare group about 12 years ago to grow and supply plants for planting alongside waterways in a part of the Kaipara Harbour. It is still going strong without me, and must be closing in on about 200,000 plants provided by now. It also serves an important social function at nursery working bees, and planting days when held.

How will you ensure that environmental sustainability is integrated into all areas of council decision-making, including transport, urban planning, and economic development?

When an activity is sustainable, that means you can keep doing it forever without degrading the physical and social environment, and that is the test to be applied whatever the issue; but otherwise let people do what they want on their land. My impression of “urban planning” is that it ends up with a bigger maintenance cost for the council.

What role do you believe local government should play in supporting community-led environmental initiatives, and how would you engage with tangata whenua in shaping these responses?

I think the Regional Council should be doing the heavy lifting in this space, although I look forward to the day when KDC governance can sit down with iwi governance and look literally for common ground, and things we can work on together. Of course I support NFPs all the way with this.

Position and/or Ward standing for:

Otamatea Ward

What specific actions will you support or implement to reduce waste going to landfill, and how will you encourage local businesses and households to participate in waste minimisation?

The Waste Management and Minimisation Policy of the Kaipara District Council gives a detailed proposal for this issue. My role of Councillor will ensure that adequate governance is given to ensure the Actions highlighted on pages 15 – 17 are worked through

How do you plan to build climate change resilience in our community, particularly around infrastructure, housing, and emergency preparedness?

There are several issues to consider in this question. Wastewater needs to be considered when considering housing. The current development fund could be utilisedf for this.

What is your stance on improving the health of our local waterways, and what measures would you prioritise to reduce pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems?

One of the most direct ways councils influence river water quality is through land use planning and development control. Urban growth, agricultural expansion, and industrial activities all have the potential to impact water systems. • Regulating Land Use: We need to ensure council staff approve or deny development proposals based on their environmental impact. • Implementing Sustainable Urban Drainage: Modern urban planning includes the adoption of green infrastructure—rain gardens, permeable pavements, and constructed wetlands—to reduce runoff and filter pollutants before they reach rivers. • Stormwater Management: We will need to design and maintain stormwater systems to capture, treat, and slow down surface water flows, minimizing erosion and pollutant loads entering rivers during rainfall events.

How will you ensure that environmental sustainability is integrated into all areas of council decision-making, including transport, urban planning, and economic development?

The role of Councillore is to govern. This will include giving direction to the council.

What role do you believe local government should play in supporting community-led environmental initiatives, and how would you engage with tangata whenua in shaping these responses?

Behavioral change is key to reducing waste, and I recognise the need to inform and inspire the communities. Education initiatives vary but may include: • Information campaigns via social media, local newspapers, and council websites, detailing how to recycle properly and why it matters. • School programs that engage students in waste audits, recycling challenges, and creative projects linked to sustainability. • Community workshops on topics such as composting, upcycling, and responsible consumption. • Distribution of educational materials in multiple languages to reach diverse populations.

Position and/or Ward standing for:

Kaiwaka-Mangawhai General Ward Councillor

What specific actions will you support or implement to reduce waste going to landfill, and how will you encourage local businesses and households to participate in waste minimisation?

Look I’m not a waste expert, but I do know we’ve got to do better. Folks have been asking for proper recycling for years and council hasn’t kept up. Those plastic bags are ridiculous and outdated, and we need something sturdier that actually works, I know there are options. Food waste too, it should be collected and composted here in Kaipara and go back into the soil. The more we can divert from landfill, the less waste we have. If you make it easy and affordable, most people will do the right thing. Businesses included. I’d also want to lean on the experts and local working groups who already know this space, and back them to put the best systems forward.

How do you plan to build climate change resilience in our community, particularly around infrastructure, housing, and emergency preparedness?

We’re already seeing the impacts with floods, slips, droughts, all of it. For me it’s about planning smarter, don’t build houses where we know it’s risky, improve storm water and drainage, and look after our wetlands and dunes because they protect us. Council also needs to make sure communities are prepared, with clear plans when there’s an emergency. I’d be listening to the engineers and the people who know more than me, but I’d back the science.

What is your stance on improving the health of our local waterways, and what measures would you prioritise to reduce pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems?

Our harbours and rivers are struggling, and we need to do more to look after them. My stance is that council has to take a stronger role in protecting water quality, not just talk about it. That means proper monitoring and enforcement of the rules we already have, and backing practical measures like planting along waterways and fencing stock out. One option I will never support is the idea of a waste-to-energy plant. It’s promoted as a solution, but it risks more pollution and undermines the real goal, which is reducing waste in the first place. If we invest in waste reduction, recycling, and composting, we protect our land and water at the same time.

How will you ensure that environmental sustainability is integrated into all areas of council decision-making, including transport, urban planning, and economic development?

To me it’s about common sense. Every decision council makes should ask, is this going to help or hurt the environment in the long run. Too often it feels like the environment is an after thought. If we build things properly the first time, plan well, and think about the future, we save money later. It doesn’t need to be complicated.

What role do you believe local government should play in supporting community-led environmental initiatives, and how would you engage with tangata whenua in shaping these responses?

There’s already a lot of good groups out there doing the hard yards. Council’s role should be to support them and not put up roadblocks. Sometimes that means lending a hand with resources or advice, sometimes it’s just getting out of the way so they can get on with it. I think council needs to work properly with tangata whenua, not just tick a box. The Treaty sets that expectation, but more than that it’s the right thing to do. Talk early, listen, and build things together. They’ve got deep knowledge, and if we take that on board we’ll make better decisions.

Position and/or Ward standing for:

Kaiwaka-Mangawhai General Ward Councillor

What specific actions will you support or implement to reduce waste going to landfill, and how will you encourage local businesses and households to participate in waste minimisation?

Recycling only works if it genuinely keeps waste out of landfill. Right now, only about a third of Kaipara’s waste is being kept out of landfill, even though most of what’s left could be recycled or reused if the systems were in place. We need results, not more bureaucracy and rising rates. A bottle return scheme would immediately improve recovery rates for glass, lifting them to over 80% with cash incentives that also reduce litter and support community fundraising. In our towns, community compost bins can help households without gardens or animals, while rural residents already do their part — feeding scraps to chickens and pigs, composting in summer, and burning paper in winter. We must also be honest about plastics: only types #1, #2, and some #5 are recyclable, and much still goes to landfill because of contamination and weak markets. That’s why I support partnering with private operators through competitive contracts for recycling facilities, private capital and expertise, with the council holding them accountable. Council should enable and oversee—set standards, procure competitively, audit results, not micromanage. By focusing on practical, proven systems, we can reduce landfill waste without punishing ratepayers.

How do you plan to build climate change resilience in our community, particularly around infrastructure, housing, and emergency preparedness?

For me, resilience is the priority , not political slogans. Kaipara is already facing heavy rain, flooding, erosion, and coastal exposure. The council’s job is to fix the basics: build stopbanks where flooding threatens homes and farmland, extend stormwater systems in towns, and seal key gravel roads to reduce runoff, dust, and tank water contamination. These are not abstract issues , air pollution from dusty roads and polluted tank water are real public health concerns for rural families. We also need practical emergency preparedness: clear evacuation routes, reliable communications, and infrastructure designed for the risks we face. And with around three-quarters of Kaipara residents living rurally, resilience planning must cover rural roads, water supplies, and dispersed communities, not just towns. For major upgrades, I believe in structuring co-funded projects with private partners — so the risk and cost are shared, not loaded entirely onto ratepayers. My approach is straightforward: build smart, fix the basics properly, and invest in infrastructure that lasts. That is how we protect health, safety, and livelihoods without creating more bureaucracy or wasting money.

What is your stance on improving the health of our local waterways, and what measures would you prioritise to reduce pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems?

Healthy waterways are vital for farming, tourism, and daily life. The problems are practical, not political: dust and runoff from unsealed roads carry sediment into streams and the estuary, and some older stormwater pipes still discharge without basic sediment capture. After heavy rain you can see it yourself in our area , the Mangawhai estuary and beach turn brown. We also have a few legacy landfill sites that need proper containment. The fixes are straightforward: seal the busiest gravel roads after proper base prep, keep drains and culverts formed and clear, add simple capture and slowing before discharge (silt traps/forebays at outfalls, grassed swales or raingardens, and small wetlands at sensitive spots), and target erosion control where it actually makes a difference. Riparian planting stays in the mix but should be focused where it works — fence stock out, plant hardy natives that shade water and hold banks, fix poor stock crossings, and look after the planting so it survives. The goal is cleaner water, not box-ticking. Alongside stormwater, we need to lift wastewater standards. Upgrade plants to modern tertiary treatment (nutrient removal and disinfection) and add constructed wetlands/polishing cells to slow and filter effluent before release. Aim for no direct discharge to the estuary where practicable, and avoid land application on very porous or karst-prone soils that risk groundwater. Where it’s suitable and consented, we can upgrade existing constructed or degraded wetlands near current infrastructure for polishing, while protecting natural wetlands. Require independent monitoring and publish the results so people can see progress. The council’s role should be to enable and oversee — set standards, run competitive contracts, and audit performance — not micromanage operations. We should reprioritise existing budgets toward frontline work, use national co-funding where it applies, and ring-fence development contributions so these improvements are delivered without pushing rates up.

How will you ensure that environmental sustainability is integrated into all areas of council decision-making, including transport, urban planning, and economic development?

Sustainability matters, but it has to be practical, affordable, and transparent. Start with projects that do two jobs at once. Sealing high-use roads is a good example — safer driving, less dust, and less sediment reaching streams and the estuary. On growth, choices sit with landowners and developers. Council’s role is to make the real costs visible and sequence infrastructure sensibly. Provide faster, clearer consents and standard designs in areas that are already serviced; if a project is proposed where new pipes, roads, or treatment capacity are needed, it should cover the full marginal cost through development contributions or private servicing. No blanket bans, no hidden cross-subsidies. For bigger builds, use competition to drive value. Let qualified providers deliver under performance-based contracts, publish plain-English results, and keep council as the watchdog , set standards, run competitive tenders, audit outcomes , not micromanage day-to-day work. With rates already under pressure, every project must show value over its whole life, not just at ribbon-cutting. Bottom line: sustainability should add value and lower long-term costs, not become an excuse for higher rates.

What role do you believe local government should play in supporting community-led environmental initiatives, and how would you engage with tangata whenua in shaping these responses?

Council’s role is to enable and oversee, not control. Keep the rules simple, give people a single point of contact, and move small, low-risk projects quickly. Back volunteers with practical help that actually gets work done , standard plan sheets and checklists, native seedlings at cost, skip bins for clean-ups, basic loan tools/safety gear, and a short slot of machinery where that makes the difference. No new grant schemes or bureaucracy; quick approvals and visible results. After each project, show the outcome with a short note and before/after photos so people can see progress. When a project touches water, wetlands, or heritage sites, we’ll hold a brief on-site meeting with local residents, landowners, community groups, and iwi. Keep it early, practical, and project-specific: agree the measures, set timeframes, then get on with delivery. Qualified engineers, hydrologists, and ecologists lead the technical design and set the specifications. On funding, we should not bankroll private projects. Any council support is small and in-kind and only where the benefit is clearly public , open access, on public land or protecting public assets. No salaries, no private property upgrades, and no ongoing operating costs. Support is capped and time-limited, volunteer effort or sponsorship should match what council provides, and every project needs a simple maintenance plan so it doesn’t become a future burden. To keep it fair, we publish a list of supported projects and what was provided so ratepayers can see exactly where their help went. Every proposal must pass a straightforward value and fairness test: respect ratepayer dollars, deliver a clear public benefit, and serve the majority rather than a niche. If a project mainly benefits a few, it should rely on user funding or sponsorship, not general rates. For larger community projects using council land or assets, we plan with the environment in mind from the start, specify outcomes and timeframes, and use performance-based contracts so qualified providers deliver to standard, with council setting the rules, tendering competitively, and auditing results ,not day-to-day micromanagement. No new mandates and no rates hike: use existing budgets smarter, focus on practical projects that add value, and keep the effort on the ground where residents can see it.

Position and/or Ward standing for:

Kaiwaka-Mangawhai General Ward Councillor

What specific actions will you support or implement to reduce waste going to landfill, and how will you encourage local businesses and households to participate in waste minimisation?

I am very interested in the council introducing curbside organic collection as this will significantly reduce our landfill waste. I would also like local businesses to be encouraged to reduce the use of single use plastics. I see think there are some relatively easy fixes in this area. Also interested in looking at building waste. I know there are builders in the area that are making really positive moves in this area and their practices could be replicated by others in the industry.

How do you plan to build climate change resilience in our community, particularly around infrastructure, housing, and emergency preparedness?

The council can definitely be very active in this area especially around consents for subdivision ensuring that future housing is not built on flood prone areas or coastal land that would be subject to inundation with rising sea levels. Regarding emergency preparedness, we need to enable our volunteer groups in this space to be fully able to assist when needed. This can be done through funding for equipment and training.

What is your stance on improving the health of our local waterways, and what measures would you prioritise to reduce pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems?

The main problem in this area as I see it is run off from farms and subdivisions. There are many things that can be done to ensure the impacts are reduced with set back areas etc for subdivisions and appropriate planting of waterways in rural areas.

How will you ensure that environmental sustainability is integrated into all areas of council decision-making, including transport, urban planning, and economic development?

I see the most effective way the sustainability can be integrated is making it an important part of all planning and decision making. By this I mean that when decisions are made, environmental sustainability is at the forefront of the process. We can no longer make decisions that do not consider environmental impacts. For too long we have been making decisions at the EXPENSE of the environment and the result of these can be seen everywhere. e.g the loss of marine life in our estuary.

What role do you believe local government should play in supporting community-led environmental initiatives, and how would you engage with tangata whenua in shaping these responses?

Local groups should absolutely be supported. Volunteers are the backbone of our community and without these groups the work they would be left undone.The council cannot afford to take on the important works these groups do within our current rating system.

Position and/or Ward standing for:

Wairoa Ward Councillor

What specific actions will you support or implement to reduce waste going to landfill, and how will you encourage local businesses and households to participate in waste minimisation?

Form working group to empower the community to further development of tools and resources. I have extensive knowledge of waste and recycling. This topic can be scary for some businesses as they have never looked at it from a business point of view, they need a straight forward how too guide, to do what is best for them.

How do you plan to build climate change resilience in our community, particularly around infrastructure, housing, and emergency preparedness?

Strategic planning and then delivery, having built industry and also restored wetlands I have all the skills needed and an open mind how to help others. Central government enabling works to do such works is vital to a rebuild and get the work done to scale to build such resilient communities, as simple as planning the scale and then delivery of it.

What is your stance on improving the health of our local waterways, and what measures would you prioritise to reduce pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems?

This is a simple one, fence and plant, but I have personally experienced issues with this exact topic with KMR, the scaling is to large and is hindering the basic to be done well missing opportunities. This needs to change. KMR are wonderful do not get me wrong, and the staff are exceptional, it is around policy and delivering outcomes.

How will you ensure that environmental sustainability is integrated into all areas of council decision-making, including transport, urban planning, and economic development?

Decisions and liabilities need to be addressed, outcome of the community needs to be top of the list for all decisions. Address these decisions as a fully integrated approach towards achieving baseline goals based on infrastructure.

What role do you believe local government should play in supporting community-led environmental initiatives, and how would you engage with tangata whenua in shaping these responses?

Need to see this work as an asset, it will save huge dollars in years to come as long as central government does not allow destruction of these works in the future. These works ie plantings or infrastructure capacity. I have evidence, when implemented methodically in a very strategic manner have massive positive impacts of land stability, eco systems and community well-being. They become an asset part of the community and the economy.