Waikato Regional Council electing 2 Regional Councillors

Vote Waikato news

With voting in the 2019 Local Government now underway from Friday 20th September, it’s time to have a look at the candidates. For Waikato Regional Council’s Waikato general constituency Raglanites have four candidates to study and pick from for two positions.

Pamela STOREY Independent

Pamela Storey

My principal place of residence is in the Waikato General Constituency area. As well as being a proud food producer and wife of a 4th generation Waikato dairy farmer, I am a business owner, experienced board member, and long-standing community and environmental leader. I have lived in the Waikato for 23 years, and I want to provide a strong voice for our rural communities. I am committed to: – Growing strong rural communities through sustainable economic development; – Connecting rural communities through quality transport and infrastructure; – Protecting our native flora and fauna for future generations. In addition to having brought Kaivolution and the Huntly Energy Efficiency Trust to our community, I’m currently a director of Primary ITO, the Dairy Women’s Network, and the Good Collective. I have the right balance of established relationships throughout the rural communities in our region to help make my vision a reality. For more detailed information, visit www.pamelastorey.co.nz.

Richard GEE Independent

Richard Gee

My principal place of residence is in the Waikato General Constituency area. Richard Gee, passionate about Tuakau and the northern Waikato, experienced on Waikato District Council Onewhero-Tuakau Community board, Tuakau Development Assn. Tuakau Emergency Services trust, Tuakau Rotary, Madill community centre, Tuakau Cossie club, plus have a daughter and husband dairy farming so understand Rural and urban community concerns. My work as a business coach, mentor and sales trainer plus Tour coach driver interacts with our community and allows me to understand the special needs of the Waikato community. The Tuakau and districts northern area is largely forgotten and it concerns me that Waikato District Council has a low profile in our regional decisions and policies, the Waikato area needs a voice that will be the champion for Waikato, I seek to be that voice

Fred LICHTWARK Independent

Fred Lichtwark

My principal place of residence is in the Waikato General Constituency area. I manage an award-winning group that’s planted 2 million native trees (www.harbourcare.co.nz) and I’m a Waikato Regional Councillor, with a background in farming and fishing. I’m committed to value for money, sustainable farming and clean water – we deserve swimmable rivers, lakes and harbours and working together we can achieve this in 20 years not 100 years. My experience proves that involving communities can be a win, win; we can reduce rates and enjoy a healthy, resilient environment and economy. In three years as your Councillor, I’ve improved Council’s purchasing policy, now our rates money is spent locally to optimize community wellbeing. I’ve enabled Council to use technology to reduce costs, improve consent compliance and ensure polluters are caught. In the next three years, I’ll be focused on building resilience in our communities for climate change eg: improving flood defences, supporting enabling landowners to plant more native trees.

Keith HOLMES

Keith Holmes

My principal place of residence is in the Waikato General Constituency area. We are the Waikato, a unique blend of hill country, coastal foreshore, alluvial plains and swamps, created by volcanic eruptions and moulded by the mighty Waikato River. Our many assets are, our people, our farmland, our minerals, our DOC estates and our rich, diverse, history. Guardianship of our region demands we have vision to balance the needs of Society, the Environment and to generate Wealth for all our communities and Whanau. We must never lose sight, it is Your money, not ours we are using. I come with a long history of governance including Chair of the WRC Lower Waikato Zone. If supported by you, I will work relentlessly with councillors and staff to: -Drive accountability -Value authentic science -Represent all people with equality, honesty and integrity -Build your wealth -Balance our Vision with affordability -Balance bureaucracy with hard-nosed pragmatism -Build a culture of care Thank you for your support ixxz

Raglan local election voting opens today

Waikato district voters will be able to cast their votes in the 2019 local council elections from today (Friday 20 September).

Voting papers were mailed to registered voters on Thursday 19th. Most of the district will start receiving their papers from tomorrow, with all papers expected to be delivered by Wednesday 25 September. People who have not received their papers by then should contact Waikato District Council Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske on 0800 922 822 or visit the Raglan Council office in Bow Street.

Completed voting papers must be received before midday on Election Day, Saturday 12 October 2019 and can either be returned via post or dropped into a ballot box at any of our Council offices.

The voting papers for the Waikato District Council elections will use the First Past the Post (FPP) voting systems. For the FPP system, voters are required to put a tick alongside the candidate(s) they wish to vote for (up to the number of vacancies). Voting papers will contain clear instructions on how to vote.

While 90% of eligible Waikato district voters have enrolled to vote and will be receiving their voting papers, nearly 6,000 eligible voters are not enrolled.

Although electoral rolls have now
closed, people can still enrol to vote.
They will need to request special
voting papers,” said Waikato
District Council CEO Gavin Ion

“Although electoral rolls have now closed, people can still enrol to vote. However, they will need to request special voting papers,” Waikato District Council Chief Mr Ion says.

“Voting closes at midday on Saturday 12 October. I would encourage anyone who has not yet enrolled to do so and cast a special vote. It’s their opportunity to have a say on how the Waikato district is run over the next three years.”

Mr Ion also wants to remind voters that they don’t need to be home owners to cast a vote. “You don’t need to be a ratepayer to vote in local elections. Every resident over the age of 18 has the opportunity to have a say on who represents them and their community.”

Enrolment forms and information are available from the Raglan Council office in Bow Street and other Council offices.

Waikato District Council will be announcing shortly the locations for their popular mobile voting stations. The initiative was first run as part of the 2016 elections and will be back again in 2019.

The mobile voting stations will be popping up around the district in late September and early October. They are an alternative place for you to drop off your voting papers and will be in strategic locations. Keep an eye out on Council’s website and social media pages for the exact locations in the coming days.

In 2016, Waikato District Council recorded a 30.6% turnout for elections.

Sep 25: Raglan Ramblers to cross Kawhia Harbour for a visit to Te Maika Point

Te Maika views – Image John Lawson

On the 25th September, Raglan Ramblers are off to Kawhia where they will cross the harbour on the ferry ($20) to Te Maika to see how the trees they planted are getting on. They’ll also be looking at the caves, fossilised tree roots and enjoy this peaceful, car-free peninsula with views of Karioi,
Pirongia and Albatross Point. Please bring your lunch.

There is no membership – the only cost is 10 cents per km to share travel costs. Details from John 825 7866. Check out Raglan Ramblers on Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/RaglanRamblers/. All walks start at 9am from the James St/ Wallis St corner near Catholic church.

Each “Rambler” accepts responsibility for any accident or injury received while travelling, or walking over private property. Be prepared – carry enough food, clothing, first aid kit for emergencies and preferably a mobile phone.

Raglan Community Board electing 6 Board Members

Vote Waikato news

With voting in the 2019 Local Government starting on Friday 20th September, it’s time to have a look at the candidates. For Waikato District Council’s Raglan Community Board we have eight candidates to study and pick from for six positions. The Raglan ward councillor is also automatically a member of the Board. The Chairperson of the Board is elected by the members at the first meeting:

AMOORE, Dennis
Independent

Dennis Amoore

My principal place of residence is in the Raglan Community Board area. I am also standing for Raglan Ward.

The community board must be empowered by council to carry out tasks with in its competencies while at same time act as the voice of the communities back to council.

The community board must have a strong cohesive relationship with WDC, while showing leadership for its own projects like Raglan naturally. It must listen to and represent all communities within the area and must be inclusive, not chase individual issues.

My priorities are to foster community ownership of small projects, minimise rates increases, review benefits of contracting services, at same time ensuring our elderly our youth and local iwi are heard and catered for in our community.

My previous experience as project director and general manager give me the skills to assist the community board to challenge council on some of these issues while working to execute what we can locally..

BAINS, Satnam

Satnam Bains

My principal place of residence is in the Raglan Community Board area.

Born & Raised in New Zealand, I obtained my Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting.

After graduating I realised I needed to be among the business community and hub of commerce. I started my own business at the age of 18 and 6 years later purchased Raglan Four Square.

My wife and young son find the change from Auckland to Raglan refreshing and enjoy living in what we consider a safer and friendlier community. It’s for this reason I would like to join the Raglan Community board. I would like to see my family and every family succeed in a warm friendly and secure community such as Raglan.

I feel I can bring to the board not only business acumen but also a family perspective of how I would like the Raglan area to keep evolving. A safe, clean, environmentally aware and progressive community with a diverse culture and sensitivity.

CULLEY, Marcus

Marcus Culley

My principal place of residence is in the Raglan Community Board area.

Kia ora, if you elect me to the Raglan Community Board I will be contactable, responsive and alongside. I’m a local with out of town experience supporting common sense decisions that enable livelihoods and keep costs affordable. Like many of you I see Raglan changing. Whilst optimistic given opportunities associated with growth we must protect vulnerable community members, the towns unique character and our environment. I returned with my partner to Raglan in 2016 after 15 years of mahi as a Principal Security Adviser with the UN, headquartered out of New York but field based managing risk in multiple emegency countries in Africa and Asia. Prior to this I was an Army Officer. We have a small business and I’m very fortunate that my prinicipal place of residence falls within the Raglan Community Board area on a native block overlooking Takapanui Creek. I’m 50 and have two grown up children.

MACLEOD, Bob

Bob MacLeod

My principal place of residence is in the Raglan Community Board area.

The critical issue facing our Community Board remains prudent use of ratepayer’s funds while balancing the requirements of a vibrant growing community with necessary infrastructure and services.

In my last 3 years of chairing Raglan Community Board, I’ve attended most Committee meetings in Ngäruawähia, thus improving liaison with decision makers to give Raglan’s point of view. More often now we’re told the full story, in a transparent way, and I follow up when that doesn’t happen.

The Board has become more effective in getting issues important to Raglan reported to Council, with strong support from our Councillor. Successes include sewage leaks are no longer regularly in the headlines and the Raglan Naturally community plan has been revived and given unique recognition by Council’s Blueprint Plan.

I’m aiming for more local decision making as to what’s best for Raglan, and getting Council to give Raglan ratepayers better value for our bucks.

OOSTEN, Tony

Tony Oosten

My principal place of residence is in the Raglan Community Board area.

It has been a privilege to be a member of the Raglan Community Board over the past three years. I have been able to interact with many passionate Raglinites living in Whaingaroa and the surrounding communities.

I supported the development of our 3P’s messaging in response to the challenges with the sewerage overflows to the harbor during our critical Easter holiday period. This included fronting informative sessions at the creative market; engaging with the community to create a positive and sustainable solution.

While serving on the community board, I have led the infrastructure focus group, Raglan Natural being a part of the team creating our community plan. This has been an outstanding success.

My goal for the next term is to put our plan into action, realising the Raglan Natural projects, securing funding, and lifting the governance of our council to ensuring community needs are met while reducing rates.

PARSON, Gabrielle

Gabrielle Parsons

My principal place of residence is in the Raglan Community Board area.

Kia ora Whaingaroa Community, These first 3 years on the board have been about learning and building relationships! I am keen to stand for another 3 years to build on this and to continue working proactively for the community and natural environment.

Also over the last 2 years I have been privileged to be project coordinator of Raglan Naturally – where we have been creating our community plan. This has been an awesome project to work on, forming relationships alongside many community members, hearing what is important, your concerns, your aspirations and what is of value to you.

I am passionate about a community which is caring and equitable and where learning together, growth and relationships are the most important thing. We can work together to face the challenges of our future, including climate change and the growth of our small town – and the pressures and opportunities that come with these.

RAYNER, Chris

Chris Rayner

My principal place of residence is in the Raglan Community Board area.

I think we all agree Whaingaroa/Raglan is an exceptional place, the outstanding natural beauty is complimented by the passionate community spirit. I moved back home to NZ and settled in Whaingaroa in 2011, and started the Raglan Farmshouse at Te Whare Farm.

I am passionate about protecting the environment, and it breaks my heart when the waste water system overflows into our harbor, I am apalled at the way in which the Waikato District Council handles these problems. I am committed to representing our community and pushing the WDC to investigate and implement new land based treatment options, so we can stop putting wastewater into our ocean and harbor. Raglan faces a number of challenges as tourist numbers increase, we need to protect our special slice of paradise, providing affordable accommodation for workers and developing new jobs beyond the tourist sector for our community to thrive.

Chris Rayner

VINK, Alan

Alan Vink

My principal place of residence is in the Raglan Community Board area.

Hi, I’m Alan Vink and I have been on the Community Board for three terms, two years as chairperson. I am standing again. Why? There’s a lot to do right now and after nine years I have figured out how to get results a more effectively and efficiently. Things in my opinion that need to be sorted are: Manu Bay Break Wall, Climate Change Issues, Land for Social Housing, Long term funding for Council, and the implementation of our community plan.

As Raglan is now a sort after tourist destination we have some challenging issues to face like: Infra-structure at peak times, Parking, Boat Ramps, and Trading on the beach. Finally, I have become a strong advocate for WDC (and all Council’s) to improve on there processes so that every rating dollar gets better distance.

I have time and energy to continue to deliver good outcomes for Raglan.

alan.vink1@gmail.com 021562743

Exit mobile version