Martin Connelly

The 2022 Local Elections are critical for South Wairarapa people. Do we want more of the same at our district council … or do we want a different more professional, effective, and responsible approach? People are thinking about: 

1. Financial management and spending. Do we want: a. To keep up a spending culture where budgets are always exceeded and rates increase without any proper explanation, or b. a council that operates with competent, prudent and transparent financial management. If the election does not deliver a qualified financial expert to the council, I will recommend appointing one as Chair of the Finance Committee. 

2. Rate setting. The current council has shown that it cannot manage this key task. Let’s elect competent new people who can come to grips with the rating process, pay attention to the details and who know what questions need asking. 

3. Competence. Elected members receive huge amounts of material to read. They need to be able to analyse it, then make sensible thoroughly informed decisions. Voters must elect people who are capable of this. People with the ability to read and comprehend large amounts of material, some of it difficult.  … Continue Reading

Daphne Geisler

I am ready to lead the new 2022 Council. After 4 years attending meetings and committees, reading reports, commenting, and participating from the sidelines, I’ve developed a knowledge of Council processes, local issues and future reforms.

I recently attended the national conference for Local Government NZ. I am aware of the reforms and issues ahead and begun to develop good relationships with contacts from other regions.

We are at a watershed moment in local government. The old power and control model must change to one of co-operation and partnership based on building good relationships across government and the community. I’m collaborative, respecting diverse contributions, seeking and building on ideas from partners. I’ll ensure Council puts our community at the centre of decisions as we address big challenges such as water, roading, amenities and government reforms. We’ll also assess new opportunities for growth and improved services.

I won’t have all the answers, but I know that careful listening and two or more heads kanohi ā kanohi, will achieve better outcomes for our community. … Continue Reading

Alex Beijen

This triennium has been one of disruption and fixing existing problems.

Since this Council took office, there has been a constant struggle to rectify neglect, underfunding and hidden problems. I feel we have got to a point where issues are identified, and addressed as opposed to ignored.

For over 10 years, SWDC rates have not kept pace with either inflation, or increasing compliance from Government. As a result, rates needed to be radically adjusted, and fast. This has been done and should be on an even keel for some time.

It is important to note that SWDC rates are nearly the lowest in the country for rural properties, and middle of the pack for urban – these rates rises are only bringing us back to a normal state.

It is also important to note that the District, 1/3 of the Wellington region with only 12000 people, has 3 towns, 3 libraries, 3 swimming pools, 4 waste water treatment plants and 3 town water supplies to maintain and improve. … Continue Reading

The importance of voting

The phrase ‘The vacuum in our democracy’ comes from President Barack Obama in a 2018 speech to Illinois University where he said ”When we don’t vote we take our basic rights and freedom for granted. When we turn away and stop paying attention and stop engaging and stop believing and look for the latest diversion – the electronic version of bread and circuses, then other voices fill this void”.

So, if you haven’t bothered to vote don’t complain when councillors, chosen by those who did bother to vote, make decisions that you are not happy with.