Lower Hutt City Council
The Lower Hutt City Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of 13 councillors and the mayor. two councillors will be elected from the Central ward. The other councillors will be elected from other wards or by all voters in the city. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Lower Hutt City Council election.
Lower Hutt City Council candidates
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Simon Edwards
Why I'm standing
The Hutt is a fantastic place to raise families. I want to protect our environment, maximise the benefits of Riverlink for rejuvenating the central city's streetscapes, hospitality and retail, and improve access for all modes of transport. I have years of experience of what makes good local government from my 27 years as Hutt News editor, and three terms on council. I want to use that to hit the ground running on the challenges ahead.
About me
My many years of work as a journalist taught me there are almost always two sides to any issue, often more. I have learned to listen carefully to all sides, rather than rush to judgement. I am not a member of any political party - I make decisions on the issues based on collecting feedback from residents, and carefully weighing up the pros and cons of any decision.
My priorities
- Reduce Hutt City Council rates to match new bills from Metro Water taking over Three Waters operations next year.
- Work with developers to maximise benefits of Riverlink, with inner city living driving CBD vitality.
- Use seed funding and existing council resources to attract new events and sports tournaments to the Hutt.
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