Other Top Priorities I Will Fight For
This mayoral election is about a range of priorities.
Where you live
The neighbourhood, communities, Central city and suburbs.
This election is about you and your life. It's well known that I have always been a strong advocate for people.
This election is also about the diverse, vibrant and alive neighbourhoods, communities and suburbs which make up Wellington.
I will give priority to a new Civic Heart for Northern; the Karori Sanctuary in Western and a revamped Khandallah Town Hall; holding onto our Airport in Eastern; protecting the Southern Coast and learning about our endangered marine environment; and enhancing inner City living for the thousands who now live and play where I do.
Everywhere I want to see more trees; more litter control; and the strong infrastructure - safe roads and footpaths, water and sewerage system - that make up the excellent services and the predominant spend of Wellington City Council.
Finance
Debt, rates and prudent financial management; spending and saving priorities.
This election is about prudent financial and asset management.
Over recent years there have been many asset sales of valuable assets that would and could have returned a significant return to the ratepayers and residents of the city -especially, but not only, sale of property ground leases, sale of our carparking buildings, sale of Capital Power. There has also been a shift from rates to user pays and debt.
All Council financial matters are inter-related. Our income sources: rates, assets; our borrowing (debt) fees and charges have to be balanced so that the residential and business ratepayers are not so disadvantaged that they can no longer do business or live in the City, and so that we can continue to enjoy the vibrant and diverse Central city, neighbourhood, communities and suburbs that we have with top class amenities.
This requires a careful, prudent and balanced approach. I will pay specific attention to these matters over the three years as mayor. They are fundamental.
Business
This election is about business - all business.
As a former member of the Chamber of Commerce, I know that small businesses make up the majority of its members. Business and creativity needs to be encouraged and supported in our City and suburbs.
Arts, culture and events
This election is about Arts, culture and events.
These are now core business in our exciting City. I have been at the heart of promoting them as a member of the Museums Trust (The City Art Gallery, Capital E, the Museum of City and Sea), over the last three years.The whole Council is behind our arts, culture and events success.
Airport
This mayoral election is about the airport and whether you think it, and the financial return the council receives from this asset, is of strategic importance.
The Shaw side of the Prendergast-Shaw administration has said publicly that he thinks that our share of the airport should be sold. Kerry Prendergast currently sits on the Board.
As Chair of the Wellington Airport Authority for eight years, and Chair of all the airport authorities in New Zealand for five, I fought hard and successfully in the late 80s to retain Wellington's one third ownership of the airport. That was against a determined Minister and Government who wanted to sell it off.
More recently, in the mid 90s, through the Wellington Airport group which I formed and made up of residents in the Eastern suburbs, I fought successfully to stop unnecessary airport encroachment.
I will fight to retain our share of the Airport - A gateway to Wellington the Capital, and a financial return to the residents and ratepayers.
Housing
This mayoral election is about affordable housing for the most needy in our Wellington community.
I will continue to fight for income-related rents in our housing as the only fair way for people on fixed incomes and the most needy in our Wellington community to be able to plan for and live their lives.
Equity and fairness is fundamental to me.
Youth
Young people need a place in our City and need to feel part of it.