Greater Wellington Regional Council
The Greater Wellington Regional Council makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of 14 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). three councillors will be elected from the Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai/Lower Hutt constituency. This is a single transferable vote (STV) election, so you vote by ranking the candidates on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Greater Wellington Regional Council election.
Greater Wellington Regional Council candidates
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Matt Shand
Why I'm standing
I believe councils serve the community but too much council business is hidden away from those communities. I want to see more than transparency from council and councillors but openness to ensure that decisions are understood by ratepayers. I believe doing so, in an ethical manner, will help restore faith in our councils and create a better democracy.
About me
I have an investigative journalist background which provides critical thinking along with a commitment to releasing information. I believe this also helps ask the right questions when looking into an issue. I believe this skill set will be useful to the council going forwards. I am also an advocate for public health measures and want to see greater healthcare options established in Lower Hutt and Greater Wellington.
My priorities
- Review rules about information release to increase proactive public interest test.
- Investigate feasibility of savings to infrastructure from investment in free services like buses.
- Establish long-term rate projections for infrastructure projects to provide certainty to ratepayers.
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