Mayor of Western Bay of Plenty

Why I'm standing

I am standing as I want to change the structure so the councillors are in control and not staff, as is the case now. People first and making sure the mayor's door is open to work with the community, ensuring together with staff we solve problems as quickly as possible. Providing more land to make sure young people can afford to live in our district, which they cannot do now. Too expensive.

About me

I was first elected in 1977 after I had shifted a tennis club from its own land and re-established it on a public park very successfully. Second woman ever and six years later I became its first female chairman. With years of experience, I have much to offer, be it working with ratepayers and solving their challenges with staff. Our council needs respected leadership, which we don't have. I want to work with councillors too.

My priorities

1. Make housing a priority as young people cannot afford to live here due to the cost of land.
2. Ensure rating increases are no more than the rate of inflation, aiming to achieve this within two years.
3. Improve rural roading by working closely with NZTA to improve access on and off the highway and build bypasses.