Southland District Council
The Southland District 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 12 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). three councillors will be elected from the Mararoa Waimea ward. There will be no election this year because there are the same number of candidates as there are positions.
Southland District Council candidates
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Matt Wilson
Why I'm standing
I have been on Southland District Council for a term and reluctantly agreed to stay on another term with no other candidates applying. I believe the system is out of date and out of touch. I believe local government in Southland needs to be reorganised into a wider operation governed with strong local representation, considering catchments, linked communities and economies of scale.
About me
I am fortunate to have time that I can commit to the community through representing in the local government space. I believe in locally led solutions and always strive for things to be done better. I listen and engage in the conversations, read the reports, policies and legislation and retain information well. I am not afraid to speak my mind, but I am guided by an understanding of a wider community sentiment.
My priorities
- Promote transparency on all council business with fewer public excluded reports and matters.
- Transition long-term planning towards a future of operating as a regional unitary authority.
- Prioritise planned capital works projects that enable housing and growth where applicable.
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