Mercury Bay Local Body Election candidate questions and responses

Please note that not all candidates could be contacted or did not respond to questions sent to them. Members of the public can contact candidates directly who have supplied phone or email details in the attached pdf at the bottom of this article. 

Mayoral Candidates – Thames Coromandel District Council

 

 

The following Mayoral candidates share their answers to these questions that the All About Whitianga team posed. 

Question 1 – Why are you interested in the position of TCDC Mayor?

Eric Carter

This is a question I pondered for a few days before nominating I looked at the people nominating and thought that what they were standing for and the policies they were promoting were they going to be good for the whole Thames Coromandel district or just portions of it, where they in my eyes capable of getting us through the many changes that are going to be thrust upon us, but I could not criticise them unless I was prepared to walk in their shoes so this raised my interest in standing on the fact that I have the complete skill set for the position.

I have over the years heard political promises of great change and deep reviews into council funding and cheaper rates by Mayoral hopefuls, the reality is that a Mayor has the same voting power as a councillor the only difference being they sit as the head of council and can appoint committee’s and chairs to these committees.

Steve Hart

I have always been deeply interested in politics at all levels. Throughout my career journey I have been centrally involved in many elements very specifc in and to local communities. As an Ecology Architect fusing together the worlds of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design with Systems Ecology overlaid through Permaculture from a professional stance. I have been employed at high level in a number of local authorities and corporate consultancies. I have designed many town centres and elements of infrastructure including sewage and stormwater systems recognising in some instances a 17,000% greater effciency. Stormwater systems that become major park-like amenities recognising the values in water from its inherent wairua. Models such as these 'Sponge Cities' can be emulated here in NZ. I have also designed and instigated solid waste systems with yet another national project on the drawing board today. I have designed the concept for Whangamata's Resource Recovery Park. I also wrote the first policies that formed the recently released Waste Management Act along with many other forms of policy for governance and corporate clarity and identity.

Being a team leader in these professional roles as well as in NGO's I enjoy bringing teams together. Building open supportive, sharing camaraderie.

The present political climate needs talented experienced people to STAND UP offering the leadership needed to guide us all through the changes immediately ahead of us. We have been deceived and lied to for far too long together with rampant corporate abuse and corruption...we now must have the truth in the forefront. TCDC's fiscal management is a shambles, losing millions. I know how to fx that, easily through astute efficient management and best design of all services, infrastructure and utilities.

Peter Pinkham

I think it would be a very interesting role to have in the community of the Coromandel. I would provide a more inclusive approach to the role.

Ron Julian

TCDC deserves smart strategic leadership. A Mayor with strong business experience, practical know-how and common-sense decision-making competence.
 
I am less about changing and more about focussing on what’s important, good solutions and best value going forward.
 
As well as promoting innovation and supporting our business community, I’ll focus on the core essentials of improving our roading network, water and sewerage infrastructure, and continue climate change management strategies.

Cherie Staples

I am 34 years local, I have a wealth of experience in central and local government as the advisor to the Member of Parliament for Coromandel during a 15 year career working with the people of Thames Coromandel. It’s certainly time for me to step out from the background to take a more progressive and proactive role to lead my district.

Len Salt

I have been working and preparing for this position for three years. It's not an interest. It's a passion and a commitment to make a difference in my community. I am completely dedicated to seeing through the work that I have been doing within the community and making positive change that benefit all our people. A comprehensive review of the contracts model to gain control of council work programs and avoid cost overruns. 

John Freer

I have a vision which I believe is shared by a large percentage of our residents and ratepayers - "That we live in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand - I want to ensure it stays that way".

Question 2 – What qualities do you have to be an effective Mayor?

Eric Carter

I have a broad range of skills, sales, marketing, logistics and I would not have been able to achieve any of these without having the respect and confidence of others to meet and succeed targets and budgets,I have started several enterprises since leaving the corporate world.

I said at one of the meet the candidates forums that I started on this path some 61 years ago from the day I learnt the word respect, morales, and that manners maketh the man and to treat others how you wish to be treated it just took till  three months ago to realise that everything I have been taught would give me the ability to become an effective mayor.

Steve Hart

Throughout my professional career journey as stated I have developed a wealth of experience in many of the elements that make up everything that functions in Local Government. I am forthright, I am not a paper-shuffer and do not go to work to eat my lunch. Give me some no8 wire and I'll fix it. Bringing a team together, is the key, which I have considerable experience in, while enjoying this rich much needed imperative dynamic, cohesive teamwork with a shared vision. Right now in 2022 and beyond we are in much need for strong leadership from people with experience. People with assertive drive. I have been known to be frank, blunt and honest, skills that are now needed. I also enjoy a very high level of efficiency. My statements offered, present such. Best fscal management is imperative. With my skill sets this will be highlighted especially in all the proposed utility and infrastructure projects planned. I am also a communicator. As Mayor I will facilitate open door, open subject, open debate and argument forums in every town, every Wednesday night, opening the door on every subject inviting the huge wealth of intellectual creativity amongst all of our community....this is my number one imperative as Mayor. Secondly righting the books with far greater astute efficiency right across the board a fiscal imperative.

Peter Pinkham

My different experiences both from work and my personal life have enabled me to have a unique set of skills which would help heal some of the wounds created in the present council - in its interactions within the Council, its interaction with the council staff, with the Regional council and the public.

Ron Julian

A successful business owner on both sides of the Peninsula and trained facilitator & project manager. I have the experience needed to know what needs to be done and how to deliver it to ensure our region can grow and thrive in an environmentally sustainable way. I’m not a career politician or running to serve an ego. I’m here to support the voter and ratepayer with respect and equity to live a better life in this beautiful region.

Cherie Staples

I’m a strategic thinker, a problem solver and I know what matters to our people, our communities and our district. Not only am I the advisor to our MP for Coromandel, I am also the Deputy Chair of Thames Community Board, Justice of the Peace Councillor for Thames & Coromandel and I am also a nominated board member on the Shoreline Management Plan Panel - I have proven experience, knowledge and the contacts to step in to the Mayoralty and start work on Day One.

Len Salt

Team building, leadership, tolerance, great listening skills and a deep understanding of the statutory and legislative requirements of the job. The ability to inspire and motivate people. Leading by vision and example, and a positive, constructive policy agenda.This takes a lot of reading research, planning and homework. I've done the mahi, now it's time to do the job.

John Freer

We need a Mayor and Councillors who are leaders and have the necessary experience to drive a multi-million dollar organisation, encourage and inspire our council staff, develop the necessary stakeholder relationships and deliver the outcomes required by our key stakeholders - our residents and ratepayers. My career experience has provided me with the tools and ability to achieve this.

Question 3 – What do you see as the top two challenge for ratepayers in the Thames Coromandel District, and how to you think Council can contribute to help solving these?

Eric Carter

Change from central government e.g 3 Waters, RMA, Local bodies act, and the list will continue to grow a mayor must be strong enough to advocate for the best outcome to be able to pull all councillors and community boards together for the mutual benefit of the entire Thames coromandel district.

Also rates we must be able to control spending with out compromising critical services it maybe that some items up for council funding get deferred to reach these goals we try to keep rate rises to equal or below the CPI.

Steve Hart

1. A steady SATE Economy for all. 2022 and the immediate future sees many critical realities society has never faced before. Commentators have been talking up the arrival, immediately around the corner of a depression like we have never experienced. Inflation will go through the roof. Major conflicts have also been instigated and talked up. We must freeze rates. With the far greater efficiency stated we will divert sectors of the budget into community security. The fall-out from the Covid Circus is yet to hit us...and it will, seriously. We must equip our communities to survive the food and energy shortages, while bringing neighbourhoods together. Civil Defence needs a huge amount of support and backing for they will be busy, very busy. There will be a need to shift in many dimensions to ensure the security, comfort and stability of all communities. Cooperatives will come into play and must be supported. Other sectors of society will need like support to help maintain a sense of wellbeing and lifted spirits. The sports, arts, theatre and drama collectives will also play a major part in this. The realities emerging indicate that we must plan for the worst and hope for the best. Coromandel is our community. It will be building community that will strengthen us all offering us all the security resilience and stability needed. Amalgamated in this is questioning and realising our growth dimensions. All service contracts will be awarded to entities within our community, not multinationals or internationals or puppets of the same.

2. Where and how we desire to grow. What direction do we grow in? Do we consider growth for growth's sake or do we realise that we will be best served by enriching what capacities we already have building an environment that enriches us all without expansion, but with considerable enrichment. Our weekly Wednesday night forums will debate this widely. A clear vision, a picture presented will allow us to see such values and worth in a degrowth economy. Our unique Coromandel environment is rich in many attributes. We must recognise that rather than abuse it with over-development, but enrich and maintain what we already have. New housing developments must have a greater sense of purpose and excellence that builds community.

Imagine: A return to true democracy, how it is meant to be. By the people for the people. My widespread consultation programme will help, immensely.

Imagine: A council exercising strict fiscal accountable management and trimming all excesses right across the board, being highly efficient in every activity, service and staffng.

Imagine: Our roads free of one way bridges. Roads of tree lined boulevards and more passing lanes, pull over bays and safe rest areas.

Imagine:Community support for all our needs. Business enterprise of community cooperatives and weekend markets, buskers and live music. Celebrating who we are.

Imagine: Business workshops evolving Joint Venture partnerships invigorating localism.

Imagine: School programmes actively engaged in our environment, on conservation and pest management creating wide scale enterprises of our rich forests, beaches and waters. 

Peter Pinkham

The two main issues would be climate change and the problems outlined above. The shoreline management plan is a good start but there has to be more.  The council has to set a good example.  

Ron Julian

Two top challenges for Ratepayers; Whitianga is a vibrant growing town, the Coromandel equivalent of Queenstown.  Challenges for ratepayers differ for the various ratepayer groups from residential, through rural, business and industry.

However, what we commonly hear most is “the money”, Rates levied verses value perceive, then equity, services, facilities, and affordability issues.

Rates are never considered affordable but are the essential operating revenue of the Council to provide the core services we expect from Council. Simplistically, Council sets a budget as an outcome of it's Revenue and Finance plan in alignment with 10 year District Plans, which is then interpreted into the amount it needs to collect from each ratepayer to fund that budget. It is not correct to say that if Council wants more money it just charges more Rates. There is a very robust prescriptive audited process around the setting of Rates that Councils must follow.

However, we can do more work to ensure we get best value for our Rating dollar and we can make better value judgements where and how money is spent.  Rubbish collection and transfer to landfill is a cost example where Council can do better by reducing volumes and how services are contracted.  Big picture current practices around waste are simply unsustainable.

Reverse supply chain and reprocessing/repurposing initiatives are the future. I will continue to lobby in that direction to reduce Rates and environmental impact whilst empowering our communities to do more for themselves. Spending must be in balance with community expectation and value returned.

Council must maintain a vision and keep ahead of the game for the District laying the platform and foundations for our communities to continue to grow and prosper.  Rates are an outcome of shared vision, social growth and environmental care in balance, the cliché of “well-being”.  We are an ever evolving society.

I won’t make promises I can’t keep.  It is short sighted to judge by %’s or link to CPI, we are a large thinly dispersed diverse geographical area of extreme seasonal and non-resident population, if we choose to be in this “special piece of New Zealand” then we must acknowledge the implicit premium value.

With challenges around climate, rubbish, water, and environment to name a few Rates are very unlikely to go down.  All these things need to be paid for, whether contributed to by central government or local government through Rates, they are all taxes.

“Three Waters” has become very emotive.  All New Zealanders need safe, reliable drinking water, wastewater and stormwater – the three waters services. We depend on these for the health and wellbeing of our communities and our environment.

Our District is in pretty good shape but there is no doubt that some areas of the country are in a poor state in respect of water quality, sewerage and stormwater. Reasons range from unplanned growth, increased demands, weather events, deferred investment, aged infrastructure, etc.  "Three waters" infrastructure is high cost essential big project stuff, difficult, if not impossible, to fund from local Rates and /or for Councils to carry such debt, and easy to defer.  The problem has been identified and strategy mapped.  A National benchmarking and co-management approach is logical, but I do not buy into the co-governance model being pushed upon us, division is divisive.  Our Council has already accepted central government funding so we have some pre-commitment to the scheme, in whatever eventual shape it takes and funding model.

The “perceived assets” don’t disappear or vanish with ownership or management changes.  The priority is fit for purpose systems.

However, I consider the sleeping giant is the uncertainty and risks around climate change and weather events as they affect us personally.

The incoming Mayor, Council and new CE will be tasked with implementation of significant new legislation replacing the old Resource Management Act (RMA), one of the new 3 pillars being the Climate Adaption Act (CAA).  Central Government has set the direction and policy for local government to develop options whilst engaging with communities putting them in the centre of the decision-making process and choice of localised “resilience” response.  Fancy words, but in essence communities/ratepayers will be in the driving chair to make pretty important decisions about their patch.  Ron’s Value Management & Facilitation skillsets align well with this process and he will steer his Council accordingly.

Cherie Staples

Well number one is the housing shortage. The worsening housing shortage is the greatest threat to the future prosperity of our district. I have a 7 point action plan to tackle the housing shortage. And as I said in statement above I’m ready to start work on Day One.

Number two is are we listening to our people and are our people listening to us. I’m a firm believer in locals making decisions for locals, they know their community, they know what they need and they also know what they would “like to have” - it’s those things that make their community unique. But remember the money pot isn’t bottomless and that is the responsibility of the community board.

Len Salt

There is an immediate need to review the contracts model because if we don't, with building costs, inflation, material supplies, and logistics increasing daily, we will reach a point where our rates income will be insufficient to cover costs.

An alternative water supply for Whitianga, Wharekaho and Matarangi. A resource recovery centre for Whitianga, (nearly there after two years of hard work).

There are enormous changes coming up in local government reform. These will need the leadership of a mayor who is, informed, empathetic and connected with our communities right across the district.

John Freer

I am reluctant to list the two top challenges. I want to empower our residents to provide their priorities back through empowered community boards. This will then provide council with the challenge of a planned approach to meeting what our residents see as their priorities.

Questions 4 – If you are elected as Mayor, what do you think a typical day would look like?

Eric Carter

I would say very busy but interesting and challenging all at the same time.

Ask me after the first month of being Mayor and I will tell you.

I hope this is what you are looking for as you will see I am a man of few but meaningful words.

Steve Hart

Hectic, challenging and exciting. Working closely with our CEO and all other elected representatives to ensure we all have clear open consultation and communication right across our district will be the number one priority. Im not a paper-shuffler. There will be a wide range of issues that will need to be addressed, locally, district wide, regionally, nationally with international issues coming into play. It is critical to have a professional and intelligent, knowledgable understanding of all to ensure all will be managed with the best skill sets. I will also circulate with all the staff to ensure they are all fully familiar with the aspirations of the full council and my position in that. Constantly rolling with the punches with a futuristic mindset having firm control of the rudder, delegating widely not only across all elected representatives but the entire staff and our community forming joint venture relations with every sector for their growth, beneft, resilience and security. I will hit the ground running expecting all elected representatives to be doing the same offering all the support to do such.

Peter Pinkham

One of the reasons for putting my nomination forward was the expectation that every day would be different, dealing with a wide range of people and situations. Daunting but exciting.

Ron Julian

I don’t think there will be such a thing as a typical day, the job runs 24/7 physically and mentally. I expect a lot of interaction – vocal and written, reading, meeting schedules, debriefing, and directing decision making having considered and evaluated all inputs, continuing connections with other Authorities and lobbying Central Government. I anticipate a particularly close relationship with the Chief Executive and close relationships with Councillor’s, community representatives and various groups. 

Cherie Staples

I would say that a typical day would start with coffee ☕️ 

Then it would be login, check diary for appointments or engagements of the day, check inbox emails, reply to emails that are urgent or make phone calls to senders to discuss. 

Briefing with CE on matters arising.

After the briefing anything could be on the agenda……….council meeting, appointments, report reading.

What’s also part of the mayors brief is the evening events such as attending functions, award presentations etc.

So in terms of a typical day which potentially moves into a day/night - the Mayoralty is not a typical day Job!

Len Salt

The new mayor will be busy from day one, deciding on essential committees and the delegation authorities of those committees which will undertake a lot of the groundwork before the resolutions an action schedules get to full council meetings. Deciding which councillors lead these committees is one of the first priorities. The current Sustainability and Resilience working group will be turned into a full committee, given some teeth and resources and tasked with achieving specific and measurable objectives in terms of energy cost savings, emissions and waste reductions.

There will be an intensive schedule of meetings. The next phases of key projects such as Shoreline Management Plan are waiting for the new council to evaluate and start making decisions. The chief executive will have a long list of key priorities that will involve the mayor right from the start. For me personally, setting up living arrangements to allow me to spend at least two or three days a week in Thames as well as working from the Whitianga office. Lots to do.

John Freer

Can I answer that after the election? Through the Mayor and Councillors we have to ensure we reconnect with our residents. We have to establish a new way of undertaking council business because the current way has not been working. As I said, maybe ask this question in three months.

Councillor Candidates Mercury Bay Ward

 

The following Councillor candidates share their answers to these questions that the All About Whitianga team posed.

• Responded as noted in each question below – Deli Connell, Rekha Giri-Percival, Caroline Hobman, Candice Van de Ven, John Grant
• No contact details supplied/could not be contacted – Ivan Steenhuis
• Nomination as candidate withdrawn –  Grahame Christian – for personal reasons I have decided to withdraw my nomination as a councillor for the Mercury Bay Ward. The process does not allow your name to be removed from the list, so this is an update in the hope that votes may not be wasted and other candidates affected. I wish the remaining candidates well. Grahame Christian

Question 1 – Why are you interested in the position of Councillor Candidate for the Mercury Bay Ward?

Rekha Giri Percival

The future of Mercury Bay is very important to me. This is what motivated me to stand for the Mercury Bay Community Board. I have served two terms (six years) on the Board, most of that time as Board Chair. I am passionate about our area and proud of what’s been achieved over my time with the Community Board. To list just a few: the main street upgrade – including the below ground infrastructure, new skate park, various playground upgrades, Flaxmill Bay groynes installed, MB cycle strategy developed - which is currently out for consultation, and construction is underway for a new waste transfer station including a resource recovery centre. 

Council is facing a great deal of change with regards to the Three Waters Reform, the Resource Management Act and Local Government Reform. Experience, and a solid understanding of Local Government is key to moving forward positively. I know I have the background, experience, and knowledge to be an effective Councillor for the Mercury Bay Ward.

Caroline Hobman

The health, happiness and wellbeing of all people have been in the forefront of my mind eversince I was growing up with my dear mother, who was a widowed at a young age and a former nurse who trained here in New Zealand during WWII.   She cared very deeply about people, animals and the environment.   

If we tug one strand of a cobweb, that tug is felt all over the cobweb alerting the spider that something has disturbed its web, for the spider to survive, the disturbance needs investigating. It is with the spider's approach that I take the opportunity to be a Councillor representing the Mercury Bay Ward in the Thames Coromandel District Council very seriously. I do believe that I have the wisdom, intelligence and energy to take on this role. It frustrates me, and I hear it from many within the Mercury Bay Ward and Thames Coromandel district who are also frustrated to see local communities, nationwide actually, are being run roughshod over by central government policies which have been and continue to be thrust upon council's, which should be serving their communities rather than central government.   

Council's have the right to be autonomous but perhaps previous councillors and community board members have not realised that they can be more pro-active, in serving their people rather than bowing over to central government or even staff within Council, who are acting beyond their role.

Candice Van de Ven

The last three years around the world things have been incredibly tough - something no one could have predicted. Councils across the country are in for some huge challenges and changes, in the way we grow our communities, despite the current struggles across the board, as well as the way we govern in NZ. I believe that we need a council that will work collaboratively, a team that brings varied strengths and experiences to the table. Navigating these changes, in this current climate will take strong leadership, and a strong, vision focussed, team. I want to be a part of that team, and I believe I have what it takes to add great value to the team. I’ve also always been taught if you want something done, don’t just sit on the sidelines - get involved and get it done! 

Deli Connell

Having been on the Community Board for three terms I’m proud of the projects we have achieved (skatepark, town centre and imminent new waste transfer station for example) but am also cognisant of how much advocacy for our Ward needs to take place in Thames at the council table and at central government. There will be much to contend with moving forward, wrangling Three Waters and Climate Change for a start which will both need support from outside our ratepayer pool.

We will have a very new council in Thames, a new Chief Executive and Mayor and will have a completely new Community Board in Mercury Bay. Council is a complex beast and it takes a bit of ‘study’ to get your head around how it is governed and how it is managed. I can hit the ground running and mentor newly elected members.

John Grant

As the owner of Coromandel’s CFM and a shareholder in Coromandel Insurance Services I’m committed to the area where I reside, work and play. I have always been keen to participate in my local area and see the role of Council as something where I can make a positive contribution. As the owner of CFM I see and hear many stories of things happening in the community that should be addressed or supported. I have therefore decided to make myself available as a candidate for Council in the Mercury Bay Ward.

Question 2 – What qualities do you have to bring to this Councillor role?

Rekha Giri Percival

My Local Government experience – I have served six years on the Mercury Bay Community Board. You could say that I have done my “apprenticeship”. To do this role well you must be organised, always approach things with an open mind, and have what is best for the area and community at the core of all decision making. This means having the skills to see the big picture and managing the steps to get there.  

I have business experience, working not only in my own business, but also for companies in the education, engineering, and oil industries. Having lived and worked in Auckland and abroad in The Hague and London, while also travelling extensively, I have seen and experienced how other high tourist areas manage seasonal influxes. We need to manage this without heavily burdening the ratepayer.

Relationship building is another key quality to being an effective elected member. During my time on the Community Board, I have developed solid working relationships with iwi, government agencies, key TCDC staff members and the various Resident and Ratepayer groups across Mercury Bay.

Caroline Hobman

• fresh
• having experience - local, national and international
• patience
• helpfulness
• sincerity
• wise
• intelligence - able to understand 
• interpreting - data and statistical analysis
• communication - asking the right questions, ability to oversee - potential benefits or potential problems
• evaluating
• honesty
• loyalty
• humility
• enthusiasm
• confidence
• knowledge
• innovative
• lateral thinking
• creativity
• positivity
• motivation
• ambition
• conscientious
• flexibility
• reliability.

Candice Van de Ven

I believe that with a background in education I have the ability to communicate with people of all ages. To listen, question and come to a mutually accepted conclusion. I have learnt the invaluable importance of establishing and maintaining professional relationships - community wide. As a mother I have learnt exceptional time management skills, juggling a dozen things at once, the incredible art of multi-tasking, as well as great negotiation skills - toddlers are my speciality here! (They’re tough!) As a sportsperson I have learnt the value of being part of a team, when to use my skills, and when to step aside and let others who are more skilled, in that area, step forward. All of these have taught me about leadership - being a compassionate leader, who leads from the front by example, but also ensures every member of the team knows their worth, is listened to, and is valued for their skill and contribution.

Deli Connell

Nine years of experience in local government.

I have extensive programme management and facilitation experience having worked for NGOs in the area of sustainable development and education. I have worked for UNESCO and also been a keynote speaker overseas for the ASEF Education programme.

I’m a good listener and speaker and, in valuing our smaller communities, am passionate about everyone’s views been represented and not just those of ratepayers in Whitianga.

I’m intelligent, educated at tertiary level, and don’t underestimate the volume and complexity of material that you need to digest, reflect on and the make informed decisions around on behalf of the ratepayers who are your major stakeholders. It’s a heavy role, a real job, with an awful lot of responsibility and certainly not to be regarded as a ‘hobby’.

John Grant

I’ve had a 50-year career in financial services in both NZ and Australia. I came to Whitianga after managing a team of 240 people repairing, rebuilding and cash settling insurance claims for properties impacted by the devasting earthquakes in Christchurch. My company was engaged by insurers, AA, AMP, ANZ, and Vero where we settled claims of more than $6 billion dollars with an annual budgetary spend of around $100m. We had admin, legal, accounting, builders, engineers, and project managers on the team as well as loss adjusters. It was challenging and complex. We worked with councils, central government Industry groups and It was a perfect precursor to a role representing Mercury Bay on Council.

Question 3 – What do you see as the top three issues for the Mercury Bay Area, and how do you think Council can contribute to help solving these?

Rekha Giri Percival

• Growth within the Mercury Bay ward continues, thus putting pressure on council infrastructure and assets. We need to get the basics right in the areas of water, wastewater, storm water, rubbish/recycling and roading. The incoming council needs to manage this demand while keeping a close eye on the cost to the ratepayer. Council has invested in the Shoreline Management Plan. Alongside getting the basics right, implementing the pathways of the SMP is critical to Mercury Bay, and the district, being more resilient to flooding and coastal erosion.
• To be an attractive place to live, work and play, there needs to be economic opportunities. Opportunities for economic growth will filter through into the social well-being of Mercury Bay. For example, we have four schools within Mercury Bay, we must attract the best teachers, as great schools attract families who develop businesses, and the positive cycle continues.  Council can contribute toward economic development and increased social well-being through reducing red tape. That means ensuring bylaws and policies are not too limiting. With regards to building and construction regulations, council costs must not make this too expensive for those wanting to build.
• Rethinking our attitude toward solid waste. With Mercury Bay’s new waste transfer station currently underway, we will see significant amounts of waste being diverted from landfill. As a community I would like us to have a further conversation around what more can we do in this area to protect and preserve the beautiful natural environment Mercury Bay, and the wider district is known for. Looking to the example of Raglan, a town with similar non-resident population and a swell of people over the summer months. The Extreme Zero Waste thinking they have created, and embraced, has not only diverted significant waste from landfill it has also generated numerous local jobs. Council’s Sustainability & Resilience Group is looking to develop a TCDC Emissions Reduction Plan. As a community we need to talk more about what we can do in this space.

Caroline Hobman

• Affordable housing - Council to release some unused land to developers to lease, to help keep costs to tenants low as possible
• Three Waters - refuse to allow Central government to run roughshod over it
• Local Government NZ - remove TCDC from being run roughshod over by it.

Candice Van de Ven

Gosh narrowing it down to just three is though - there is a lot facing us at the moment - a lot of changes ahead - but if I have to chose just three… 

Our Water - I know there are investigations being carried out (by council and community groups) and work is currently underway with the Water Demand Strategy to ensure the issue of water / waste water / infrastructure is at the forefront of council decisions, and funding,  going forward. Three Waters is an issue here for us all, while Three Water reforms have been made mandatory for all councils,  I do not believe Three Waters is the answer for the TCDC - council will need to work incredibly hard to try and maintain some kind of control of this asset, and ensure that the current plans in place for various infrastructure improvements are carried out without delay. Water shortages around the region have been an issue for many years - we need to ensure our water storage facilities can cope with our annual population influx. 

Our Waste - minimising what goes into landfill …. waste minimisation is key - there is ongoing work being done by council and community already, this work needs to continue and there needs to be a massive focus on a personal (ground level) for waste minimisation - how can each of us reduce our own carbon footprint?? The options of organic waste curbside collection (also currently in the pipeline as far as I know) is a good example here, as well as the newly available soft plastics recycling bins. We need to ensure constant encouragement of reuse, recycle - the Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre is another fabulous example of community and council work in this area too! We need to continue to grow this area, and ensure as a community we make it our mission to put as little into landfill as possible.

Our Housing - housing, or lack there of, is a massive issue country wide and we are no exception. This is a foundation thing in my opinion - we have labour shortages, our economy is struggling, we need to attract, and be able to keep people in the area .. but it starts with housing … and affordable housing at that - if we want people to work here, companies to grow/set up here, we need to address the housing. Options here could be reviewing the district plan, look into current zoning options, land lease, review district spatial plans, and stream-line current consent processes - all options for council to continue to develop and look into.

Deli Connell

Climate change/coastal erosion; we have a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) in place, but we need to consider freshwater inundation related to weather events as well…this contributes to erosion and certainly wash off into our rivers and beaches. We have a massive amount of coastline for which our ratepayer base will struggle to fund any future mitigation measures. It is essential that central government funds are sought in support of our required actions. The SMP talks about ‘pathways’ and Council being agile to make new decisions (not set in concrete) should the situation change rapidly in any area or we suffer a major climate-related catastrophe.
 
Working with the new Three Waters legislation; it’s what we have to work with currently and we need to make sure Mercury Bay gets a ‘piece of the pie’ as part of Entity B in the new structure. It will take very vocal lobbying as we desperately need greater support for our infrastructure. If there is a change of government next year this legislation will apparently be repealed so we need to be agile in our response should that happen.

Increasing pressure on our overall infrastructure; see above. We’re a much-loved domestic and international tourist destination, which is great, but we are under to pressure to provide facilities and services for those visitors as well as our residents…everything from public toilets to reticulated water and sewerage to provision for increased recycling and landfill capacity over the summer months. We need support from central Government for some of those costs.

John Grant

Not necessarily in order as all of these are significant topics for the Mercury Bay area;
Housing – we have a critical shortage of lower costs houses for purchase and rent. While this is not for Council to deliver we should be creating the framework that encourages the development of areas for more affordable housing.
Water – We must finalise arrangement for an adequate water supply for the area and make available water services to the many properties not yet connected to a reliable a safe supply.
Economic Support – many people run small local businesses and are dependant on availability of staff and visitors to the area to sustain their business. I believe this need more Council support.

Question 4 – How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making processes for the Mercury Bay Community Board and Council?

Rekha Giri Percival

Consultation is already a huge part of councils’ decision-making process. While there are processes for this, increasing the uptake levels for those impacted is important. We can achieve this through giving people the opportunity to provide feedback in a way they feel most comfortable e.g. town hall type meetings, online forms or small face-to-face meetings. I would also like to see users/interested groups have a chance to hear about projects early on, and be part of how they are developed, an example of this was the creation of the Mercury Bay Cycle Strategy. We had end users form part of the committee which worked to develop the strategy.

Caroline Hobman

• Invite them to regular Town Hall meetings - use the Town Hall for TCDC community purposes
• Discussions, troubleshooting, finding local solutions for local issues with the whole district in mind
• Democratic processes such as local voting - in person paper votes and online surveys etc.

Candice Van de Ven

I am a big advocate for transparency and communication - I like to think of it as the 3 ‘C’’s… Communication, consolidation, collaboration. I think residents need to be involved, included and informed on all decisions - they are the major stakeholder - they need to have a say! There is no such thing as too much communication or information in my opinion - we need to use all avenues of communication and embrace technology and social media for all its good attributes. This way we can ensure we connect with people community wide - regardless of generation! Stories, reels, posts, tick toks… they’re scary for some .. but used the right way can only add to the vast amount of other communication avenues already used by council. I feel it is paramount to let the community know what council / community board are up to, in a casual, interactive way - normalisation of community interaction by board members and councillors - where comments/ likes / discussions are encouraged. It’s also a way to get the message out on where (and when) council and community board members are!

Deli Connell

Council has been hosting Ratepayer Group Chair meetings which have been really well received by all parties… a great conduit for our communities to bring issues directly to elected members.

The use of surveys has been increased in an attempt to make community involvement easier. Public meetings on ‘gnarly’ issues are also very important but often poorly attended. Residents do need to take advantage of these mechanisms of course.

A phone-call or email to an elected member can be most effective. For example, I received calls, some time ago, around the Whangapoua boat-ramp being unsafe and was able to facilitate discussions with the relevant staff etc to have that remedied.

Spending time around Mercury Bay is very important. I walk and/or swim all over and often have conversions with the locals. Attending their meetings is also essential. I will be attending hui around arts facilities this month as an example.

John Grant

I have heard many people talk about the need for greater awareness and ability to be heard and participate in the Council activities. I support and would advocate for the Chairs of Community Boards to return to the Council table so their voice can be heard. We need greater transparency and governance that was removed by the current administration restored for the sake of restoring local confidence in TCDC activities.

Question 5 – Where are your favourite places to spend time in the Mercury Bay or on the Coromandel and why? 

Rekha Giri Percival

We really are spoiled for choice here in terms of beautiful beaches and walking tracks. I would have to say Otama Beach is a favourite place of mine. My children love the Purangi river for a day out followed by a pizza at The Hive.

Caroline Hobman

• Here at home overlooking the Pacific Ocean - beauty, watching nature doing what nature does amongst the peacefulness.  
• At a friend's home which overlooks the ocean north of Ring's Beach - again watching nature doing what nature does - the ocean meeting the clouds or clear sky, beauty and more peacefulness.
• Walking on any dog friendly beach with our dogs.
• Coromandel really is food for the Soul.

Candice Van de Ven

I love Matarangi! The long white beach, the beautiful community, the incredibly buzzing summers full of visitors and beach goers. The best swimming, diving, fishing, jet skiing, biking, it's accessible, and the foot paths connecting every street cannot be beaten!  I holidayed here as a teenager .. and living here as an adult = truly blessed! 
Thank you again very much!

Deli Connell

In or under the water. I have swum all winter for a children’s charity called ‘Kenzie’s Gift’. I’m never happier than when I am in the ocean so…Hotty, Hahei, Otama or Kuaotunu for the best swims but I’m not a beach snob, really, I’ll swim anywhere.

Whangamata for a body surf even though I’m useless at it.

Eating raw oysters at the Oyster Company in Coro.

I’ve just discovered Ziplining at Driving Creek and want to take the whole family there this Christmas.

Hiking any of our gorgeous walks and marvelling at the trap lines everywhere! We’ve got some amazing volunteers in our communities. The Rings Beach loop and through the bush to Shakespeare Cliff are two of my favourites.

Picnics anywhere – literally, or café hopping…we’ve got amazing food around Mercury Bay.

Watching the stars…need to get out to Stargazers one evening (Alistair Brickell)…boy our night sky is gorgeous and I’m so pleased our northern communities are gaining Dark Sky status.

Best trip on the water I’ve ever done was on the Windborne to Great Mercury. Diving into clean pale green water is always a thrill. We need to keep it that way.

John Grant

I love getting out on the water, enjoy my Wednesday night at the Mercury Bay Club quiz night and Thursday, club night at the Game Fishing club. Anywhere out on the water is also great and especially with a fishing rod in hand. I also enjoy Kuaotunu and Lukes Kitchen. We just have so many options it’s hard to name them. We are very lucky living in such a wonderful place.

Community Board Candidates Mercury Bay

 

The following Community Board candidates share their answers to these questions that the All About Whitianga team posed.

• Responded as noted in each question below – Caroline Hobman, Krissy Robinson, Bess Kingi, Billie Hunter
• Did not respond –  Peter MacKenzie.

Question 1 – Why are you interested in the position on the Mercury Bay Community Board?

Caroline Hobman

The health, happiness and wellbeing of all people have been in the forefront of my mind eversince I was growing up with my dear mother, who was a widowed at a young age and a former nurse who trained here in New Zealand during WWII.   She cared very deeply about people, animals and the environment.   

If we tug one strand of a cobweb, that tug is felt all over the cobweb alerting the spider that something has disturbed its web, for the spider to survive, the disturbance needs investigating.   It is with the spider's approach that I take the opportunity to be a Community Board member representing the Mercury Bay Ward in the Thames Coromandel District Council very seriously.   I do believe that I have the wisdom, intelligence and energy to take on this role.   It frustrates me, and I hear it from many within the Mercury Bay Ward and Thames Coromandel district who are also frustrated to see local communities, nationwide actually, are being run roughshod over by central government policies which have been and continue to be thrust upon council's, which should be serving their communities rather than central government.   

Council's have the right to be autonomous but perhaps previous councillors and community board members have not realised that they can be more pro-active, in serving their people rather than bowing over to central government or even staff within Council, who are acting beyond their role.

Krissy Robinson

My passion to join the community board is the wonderful community and environment we have in Mercury Bay. I have travelled all over the world and across New Zealand, so I know what a special place we have here. I currently own and run two local businesses, Wild Wood Mini Golf and Dream Catchers Studio, both with a drive to support locals. This led me to start working within the community and I became chairperson for the Whitianga Toy Library, I then got invited to join the Toy Library Federation board and when the president stepped down from the NZ Mini Golf Federation I stepped up to co-chair.  It’s important to me, to step up when I see a need I can fill.

Bess Kingi

I became interested in the Mercury Board when I saw there was only 2 people standing, which is not a true representation of our community.

Billie Hunter

I am wanting to positively engage further with our community to help enhance the quality of life for all that reside here, to serve as an advocate on the Mercury Bay Community Board would be an honour, and a role I would take seriously, bringing local voices with me to the decision-making table. A big believer of ‘community’ and of the understanding that what we do on the ground level, can shape our community and collectively make meaningful change.
 
To bring a younger voice to local council, to encourage my friends and whānau (family) to be interested in what’s going on in their community and to get involved, to be a part of the solutions to the issues we face here in Mercury Bay.

Question 2 – What qualities do you have to bring to the Community Board table?

Caroline Hobman

• fresh
• having experience - local, national and international
• patience
• helpfulness
• sincerity
• wise
• intelligence - able to understand 
• interpreting - data and statistical analysis
• communication - asking the right questions, ability to oversee - potential benefits or potential problems
• evaluating
• honesty
• loyalty
• humility
• enthusiasm
• confidence
• knowledge
• innovative
• lateral thinking
• creativity
• positivity
• motivation
• ambition
• conscientious
• flexibility
• reliability.

Krissy Robinson

I feel that at this point in time I can make a real contribution to the Mercury Bay area. I have experience in UX design complimented by a background in business, design, and marketing, which I believe gives me a unique perspective and enables me to think outside the box. I feel this is something our area needs in these challenging times.

Bess Kingi

I have lived in Whitianga for 30 years and have been involved in community affairs to numerous to name here and continue to be involved in many community committees to this very day. I bring Mana.

Billie Hunter

My qualities I consider of strength to the role would include purposeful structure to help streamline systems to achieve results faster & cutting out any unnecessary bureaucracy, a strong business mind, having run 3 businesses in differing sectors and the ability to utilize a commonsense approach for growth opportunities and to analyze decisions to include foresight, to ensure a better tomorrow, for our tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren).
 
Key cultural values below are at the core of my identity and shape my mana (moral compass) and how I conduct and interact in all aspects of life.
 
Rangatiratanga (Leadership) - having the drive to want better, proactive and the ability to work as a team member, not afraid to get my hands dirty and do the mahi (work), being a leader that ‘leads’ rather than a leader that ‘says’.
 
Whanaungatanga (Relationships) – making meaningful connections in our community with all factions from local ECE, schools, police, local iwi, environmental groups to name a few, but also sustaining these connections and working toward common goals.
 
Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship) – Looking after our whenua (land) and water bodies that sustain us, making decisions that have positive impacts on our environment for not only our benefit, but for future generations, guardianship over our higher risk community members also, like our elderly and our young ones.
 
Kotahitanga (Unity) – Binding the community together, mahi tahi (working together) to achieve our goals. Being generous with our support and knowledge to support each other.

Questions 3 – What do you see as the top three issues for the Mercury Bay Area, and how do you think Community Board can contribute to help solving these?

Caroline Hobman

• Affordable housing - Council to release some unused land to developers to lease, to help keep costs to tenants low as possible.   Approach philanthropic developers.
• Three Waters - refuse to allow Central government to run roughshod over it
• Local Government NZ - remove TCDC from being run roughshod over by it.

Krissy Robinson

We need a sound strategy for climate change across several areas, including planning for the future resilience of our community. Climate is a huge issue right now, and it would be a bold statement to say I have the solutions to the issues we are facing around climate change, however, my background in user experience and design will give me a unique perspective and I look forward to learning more about where the Thames-coromandel district is with its planning and what strategies need further development. 

We must deal with waste management in a more efficient and effective way for both the locals and the environment. The new Wāhi Tukurua centre is an amazing start but there is more we can be doing to reduce the amount going into landfills. I can see the community board working with the new centre to bring about some real change in this are over the next couple of years. 

Housing is the third issue I see as having a significant impact without community right now. I would like to explore what opportunities there are for our council to get involved in solving this issue.

Bess Kingi

Top 3 issues

1. Clarity on 3 waters pros and cons
2. Climate change
3. Pensioner Housing.

Billie Hunter 

Top 3 issues I would want to lend support too would be the Shoreline Management Plan, I quite enjoy dune planting and understand the benefits of this one method of erosion control, I want to review the Waste Management and Minimization Plan to ensure its effectiveness and help reduce waste in the area as well as helping make decisions that best suit our very fast growing Mercury Bay Ward, to see our area thrive as well as our communities.

Question 4 – How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process for the Mercury Bay Community Board?

Caroline Hobman

• Invite them to regular Town Hall meetings - use the Town Hall for TCDC community purposes
• Discussions, trouble shooting, finding local solutions for local issues with the whole district in mind
• Democratic processes such as local voting - in person paper votes and online surveys etc.

Krissy Robinson

Enhancing the transparency and communication of the board processes, is a priority of mine, making it easier for people to be part of the decision-making. I aim to increase the range of platforms the information is available on e.g., social media, and use plain language for communication. Further open sessions to gather more community feedback would be beneficial and hopefully can be done regularly. Along with wherever possible to engage with the schools, especially the senior school to get involved with planning for their future.  

Lastly, I would also make a commitment to have open sessions at my office for people to attend and get further clarity on information and issues.

Bess Kingi

Thru transparency and interaction inclusiveness we can think globally, but we must act locally.

Billie Hunter

I am an active member of our community within my line of mahi (work) owning the largest Health and Fitness facility in the Hauraki district, I would have no issue being able to collect voice and concern of the constituents, through the above-mentioned strengths, Whanaungatanga (Relationship), I do value connections and understand the innate responsibility of a Community Board Member, to do just that.

Question 5 – Where are your favourite places to spend time in the Mercury Bay and why?

Caroline Hobman

• Here at home overlooking the Pacific Ocean - beauty, watching nature doing what nature does amongst the peacefulness.  
• At a friend's home which overlooks the ocean north of Ring's Beach - again watching nature doing what nature does - the ocean meeting the clouds or clear sky, beauty and more peacefulness.
• Walking on any dog friendly beach with our dogs.
• Coromandel really is food for the Soul.

Krissy Robinson

Reading in the gardens at Wild Wood Mini Golf is one of my all-time favourite places to be, other places in the area include fish and chips at Buffalo beach, driving to Matarangi along the stunning coastline and a glass at the local vineyard.

Bess Kingi

Buffalo Beach picnics (whanau time), children playground - watch the tamariki play, picking pipi and having a kai with whanau whilst watching the boats come in. At home in my safe place weaving and mahi kākahu when time allows.

Billie Hunter

My favourite place to spend time in Mercury Bay would be down the 309-bush trekking and following the water’s edge foraging for pretty stones, although our beaches and bays are simply divine, I can’t help but get lost in the beauty of our forest and the amazing birdsong.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about candidates for all other wards across the Coromandel Peninsula and the election process to the Thames Coromandel District Council website. Download the full list of candidates across the District at the bottom of this page.