Question time

I thought I’d post the original response to questions asked of the new candidates and published in Capital Times.

We only had 20 words per question. Understandably (and with consent) I got edited back a little. Hopefully each candidate will also get a more detailed  review of their positions in forthcoming editions.

Only 6 Questions.

1. Why are you standing for council?

I care about our city. Council are either over spending or funding the wrong things. When communities attempt to tell them this, they are ignored. At a high level, this election for me is about priorities and listening to our communities. Something we have not had. 74% of submissions opposed the Manners mall redevelopment and council ignored them. It’s time for change. We need to revitalise our council with fresh ideas and new perspectives. The great news for voters is they can send a message to council that failing to listen has consequences – due to the high quality of new candidates that are standing. I think this election is going to be about accountability.

2. What is one thing you would like to have achieved by the end of your three year term?

A council that listens to all the communities it’s supposed to represent. If you achieve that you will get better decision-making and use of our money. People go to a lot of effort to make submissions, and they need to be given a little more weight than they are currently. We should be supporting public engagement, not turning people off.

3. What one issue concerns you about the waterfront that you would like to change?

Repeal Variation 11 and start again with some collaborate dialogue. I do not believe council should allow the development of taller buildings on the waterfront edge without open consultation. It’s important not to feel suffocated by buildings, which is something our green belts do well. The waterfront is no different. We have a beautiful village wrapped inside wonderful green belts and a stunning waterfront. It’s the envy of nearly every Aucklander I have met. We need to make sure we don’t lose it.

4. What is your number one issue regarding transport in Wellington? Explain.

The Basin reserve redevelopment has the potential to be a real scar on our landscape. We need to ensure any roading development around the basin is sympathetic to its environment and provides a higher level of safety for schools nearby, while improving traffic flow for public transport. I’m not in favour of a flyover hidden by an even larger Grandstand? One scar, hidden by a larger scar, doesn’t sound very hidden to me? But that’s the type of logic that exists on our council. Time for a change? I think so.

5. Would you prefer to fly or breathe underwater? Explain.

I blame watching the tv program “The Man From Atlantis”, but breathing underwater would be pretty cool.

6. It’s your birthday and you get to choose a special meal, what do you want to eat?

I would want to eat at el Bulli or Noma.* But I’d settle for a woodfire pizza and a cold beer along our wonderful waterfront (can we still do that)? Simple pleasures are always the best.

***

I will be publishing more questions and answers from other organisations and resident associations as they are published.

* I blame my brother (a former chef at Restaurant 290, The Wellington club, and Shed 5 here in Wellington, and who has since worked at Pier in Australia and Bibbendium and Pont de la Tour in the UK) for wanting to dine at these places. I do enjoy good food and Wellington is richly served with a wide variety of eateries, bakeries, and cafes. We are so lucky, and long may it continue!