Napier City Councillor Candidates

The following Candidates responded:

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  Leanne Cotter-Arlidge

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1. Our biggest issues are climate change and how we deal with living in a city which is adjacent to the ocean and in some suburbs below sea level.

2. A state of the art Civil Defence service and tsunami towers in strategic places to keep people safe.  We need to consider where we develop housing and other services in a accordance with the threat of sea level rise.

3. Look to develop housing in areas that can withstand sea level rise and earthquakes as those are two of our bigger environmental risks.

4. I promote greater use of cycleways and connecting these for commuters.

5. Storing roof top waterfall come more prevalent and composting and utilising waste into top soil for growing food will eliminate waste.  Attending to the wastewater flowing into awatoto and finding alternative treatments for Napier sewerage. Creating smoother logistics and not relying totally on larger trucks which create havoc on our roads.

6. Develop wind, hydro, solar and other natural resource use currently unharnessed in our region.

7. Inner city apartment living in unused office spaces should be prioritised. Greenspaces and Greenfield’s ar necessary for social and health benefits. Waterways breaches needs enforcing, native forests should be promoted over exotic pine carbon sequestering.

8. Yes, I have had training in governance and financial management and I would welcome further local government training.

 

  Maxine Boag

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1. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, managing waste, water security

2. Set and act on goals to become carbon neutral; support tree planting; establish the Regional Park at Ahuriri Estuary; investigate organic waste collection; meet the new standards for three waters set by Taumata Arowai.  We have a newly-appointed FTE staff member focused on Climate Change so am expecting she will be providing ongoing advice and guidance.

3. I have attended and supported a couple of rallies for climate action and am very sympathetic to raising awareness and pushing for action.

4. As a regular cyclist, (I ride my ebike to many council meetings) I have made Safer Streets – for cyclists, pedestrians, mobility scooters – one of my top priorities.  I intend to keep pushing for our cycle paths to become more interconnected and city streets safer for bicycles.  We have work to do on making footpaths easier for those on mobility scooters, wheelchairs, or pushing prams.  I support the HBRC’s Draft Public Transport Plan and made an individual submission to that effect.  

5. I would like NCC to investigate organic waste collection as this takes up an inordinate amount of our landfill.  Im chair of the Keep Napier Beautiful committee and we hold a big Recycling Day once a year, enabling people to drop off usable household items for others to purchase so it diverts quite a lot from the landfill.  The funds raised are given out to community gardens or other such projects. For building waste, the Omaranui Joint Refuse Landfill committee is currently involved in the Recruitment of a Regional Construction and Demolition Waste Minimisation Advisor. 

6. Adhering to the changes in the Building Code will cover this with new builds. More specifically these changes will see buildings made warmer, drier, healthier and more energy efficient reducing the energy needed to heat homes by up to 40%. I would expect our Climate Change Specialist will advise us on other aspects of energy efficiency and how best to achieve them.

7. The National Policy Statement: Urban Development (2020) sets out requirements that Council needs to meet to ensure sufficient capacity for housing and business growth, and to provide for more intensive development in appropriate locations. This is outlined in our Spatial Picture seen here - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.napier.govt.nz/assets/District-Plan-Review-Documents/Topic-Summaries/DPR-Spatial-Picture.pdf

8. Yes and Yes. Despite having been on council for 15 years, I am still learning.

 

 

  Sally Crown

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1. I think these will be biodiversity and storm-water treatment, issues connected to waste and working towards a more holistic “green” future as we prepare for growth related development.

2. The Master planning for the Ahuriri Ecological Regional Park is getting underway and I have high hopes for how this will positively impact our estuary Te Whanganui a Orotū environment. This is by providing polishing wetlands to make sure there is improved quality in the water we release into it in an emergency and better protection for the special species that are vital to the biodiversity of the area. Our Library & Civic project is setting new design standards for council from an environmental perspective. This includes best practice for demolition, building techniques and efficiency benchmarking. I consider we have made the right move in creating a full-time position this term to help us navigate policy, strategy and operational decisions and actions so that the climate change lense being applied becomes BAU. Given the level of financial investment we make in infrastructure, growth and development, it is vital that we are across this fast moving kaupapa. It is especially important given the large scale projects and initiatives we have on the work programme and that we are a coastal city with a very particular land profile. We are also currently auditing our organisation in regards to our climate impacts so that we have benchmarks and a better understanding of where the opportunities lie for us to improve.Making these considerations BAU is one of the most impactful things we can do to ensure long-term thinking and impacts, to 2030 and beyond.

3. Building enduring and aligned relationships with those who have the ability to make change and influence actions and policies will be key as we move into the future. We cannot do things on our own and we have already partnered with mana whenua, HBRC and other local councils to work on projects such as the Ahuriri Ecological Regional Park and Coastal Hazards to implement a team approach. Our Environmental team at council are another important cog in the wheel as to how we support climate action, not just from a monitoring perspective but also the public education and waste management they deliver. Enabling and educating our community is so important too. Providing practical support and resources where available will only amplify our success regionally. There are many organisations and groups locally that I would continue to champion and use my influence to back, such as Sustainable Napier, Biodiversity HB, HB Environment Centre, Save the Dotterills and others on the ground doing this type of mahi.

4. Policy.nz asked us to provide policies up to 140 characters in length on a number of topics. One being transport. Although this is not hugely detailed, I think it provides a good steer on my approach and thoughts here. Increase promotion and encourage increased resources are dedicated to active transport. Challenge and work with central government agency Waka Kotahi to give more weighting to locals' experience and knowledge when planning. Ensure key access routes are prioritised in future planning to protect and enhance social, environmental, and economic wellbeing.

5. This is about behavior change and I think the most effective way to achieve that is a combination of education, legislation and service provision. We have recently delivered composting workshops (sold out!) with incentives for discounted composting systems as part of the package. We also have a well known “only rain down the drain” school-based programme and a regulatory approach that looks to education first to best work with industry and business. We also have a waste diversion programme at Redclyffe Transfer Station with manual sorting that works to reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill. would like to see these types of initiatives continued and grown, given environmental pressures are ever increasing. This is something I would advocate for. Sharing opportunities for food-sharing and redistribution with apps like Foodprint would be great for our compact city- both our people and businesses. Council have an unique opportunity to lead by example when it comes to our major development projects such as our Library and Civic build. We have committed to a programme of reclamation prior to demolition and recycling throughout the project. Energy efficiency has been a key design feature in the planning stage. In turn this influenced our procurement practices. These examples I would want to see carried through to any future projects. Submitting on any proposed legislative changes is also another way that Council can look to lift and influence waste standards.

6. I think at the ground level this is also about behaviour change. Turning things off, setting standardised seasonal temperatures for HVAC, office layouts and working arrangements etc all contribute to energy efficiency. How we incorporate energy efficiency into new developments we undertake at the planning and design stage also counts heavily. As mentioned, we are currently auditing ourselves in such areas and once benchmark data is gathered we can start to monitor and measure our progress. A really important part of changing behaviours, mind-set and practice.

7. Building a smart city, with respect to housing and our environment is incredibly important. All the well beings, economic, cultural, social and environmental are connected and it requires a delicate and holistic approach. Championing our green spaces and waterways as high priority will be a focus for me if elected, alongside advocating for housing that are energy conscious and built in ways that impact our environment as negatively as possible. How we achieve that is by ensuring development plans include this lense and that policies and regulation reinforce these priorities. It isn’t about one or the other when planning for growth, it is about that balance and seeking solutions to make sure aspects thrive alongside each other instead of to each other’s detriment.

8. I have and certainly intend to continue to. I think it’s a crucial part of the role.

 

   Annette Brosnan

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1. Degradation of Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (the Ahuriri Estuary) theough the discharge of untreated contaminates, namely stormwater

2. I have worked this term to lead a project ‘Ahuriri regional Park’ where we are partnering with relevant organisations,mana whenua and HBRC to transform lagoon farm into a stormwater treatment wetland system and biodiversity/ ecosystem enhanced habitat, between now and 2030 I would like to see NCC have completed all master planning and began works on the ground to build the treatment and flood retention systems.

3. Climate adaptation and resilience is key for Napier being the ‘bowl’ it is particularlyvenerable to increasing rainfall events and coastal inundation. I will be working to see coastal erosion measures in line with the joint reginal strategy are implemented alongside the communities effected, and will be working hard to implement the Ahuriri regional part project which will provide high stormwater flow retention space for rainfall events.

4. Active transport like walking and cycling need to have a greater voice in our roading designs and decisions, ill be advocating for the experts in these spaces to join the engineers at the decision making table up front as we develop and implement the reginal transport strategy

5. The joint Waste management and minimisation plan (WMMP) which I was proud to co-chair with Hastings has already made a big difference in the cities recycling rates, next issue to tackle is the green waste and removing this from landfill, along with kitchen waste, Next I’m keen to progress the green waste initiatives developed with the community in the WMMP this term.

6. Council should be a leader in this space, we should walk the talk with everything from our vehicle fleets to our new builds, ill be advocating for leadership from within, as well as tools in our district plan to encourage sustainable energy sources at time of construction

7. Green and open spaces are integral to the health and wellbeing of the Napier communities, its no surprise as a small urban city greenfield land is scarce and as such we are likely to see more intensive development over the coming decades, especially close to the business districts, I support this and believe everyone deserves a warn, dry, safe home. There are some amazing urban designs and designers to maximise space while also achieving good quality of living for all.

8. Yes I have worked as a staff member in local government for 12 years with various training undertaken, I am a specialist in various local government legislations and procedures, I hold a business degree, am a qualified independent commissioner with the ministry for the environment and currently chair councils hearings committee. I have also undertaken institute of directors training and am always happy to learn more.

 

   Greg Mawson

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1. I feel we need to focus on things within our control that doesn't need to immediately impact everyone's lives. I feel a kerbside food waste collection is one of the easiest solutions in curbing methane emmisions without creating equity issues (like forcing people into EVs). This could also be cost neutral by the implementation of a worm farm. Worms also eat the by-product of wine making so would see tons and tons of grape pomace not entering our landfill. The cost neutral part of this process also sees a natural organic fertiliser to be sold and reused in the community.

2. Find a suitable site, perhaps make it a regional collaboration, just get it done. Education would need to be a core component of its success. The community need to be involved. I can also visualise school visits etc.

3. By doing my part. If re-elected, I'll continue to listen to the community and take their voice to the table. I will make appropriate decisions which bring the community along for the ride. Forcing things on people only makes them shut down. We have seen this with other climate initiatives like cycle bridges and changing cities toward active transport being slammed by the majority of New Zealanders. Community input is key to any successful change.

4. This is more a HBRC question, but I feel they are on the right track with their MyWay trial, which has been getting excellent feedback, especially for their older persons in Hastings. I have two children (6 and 4) and I'm in charge of them getting to school safely in the morning and for pick up, so while I own an electric scooter, it doesn't get used as much as I'd like.

5. I think I answered that question previously. We do what we can at home, especially with two children. It's great NCC now recycle type 5s. That's been a game changer.

6. We personally have a heatpump hot water system at home, but on the council side, I can say that everything the council does, is looking at efficiency, not only with a climate change lens, but also from a ratepayer cost perspective. I trust in the staff who are professionals in their fields to bring those absolutes to us and we can then make informed decisions.

7. As a council it's always a balancing act to keep a watchful eye on fertile soils, while ensuring expansion for the community. We need to provide central government with a 10 year plan for growth of the city which is pretty much a living document. There are existing policies in place (which can and likely will be overridden by central government with their reforms) which intend on protecting these fertile areas. One such is HPUDS. My priority will again to balance the benefits to the community from every perspective. It's pretty hard to please everyone.

8. As a personal trainer by trade, I enjoy learning more all the time in the quest of helping people. My term in council has been a major learning curve. To answer your question, When I was elected in 2019, I had zero governance experience, but have learned a lot over the last three years. For me, being on council, I'm always in a state of learning. Now, I am a trustee for a local trust and and newly elected board member of local branch or a nationwide charity, so you could say I've jumped at the challenge. It's an honour to serve our community and I ensure I attend everything I can, because it's the right thing to do for Napier and her people. If re-elected, I will look forward to the induction again, as I don't know everything, and as a coach, it's important to also be coached.

    

  Maria Roberts

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1. What do you see as the biggest environmental issues facing to Napier district between now and 2030? Climate change – adaptation and mitigation, Water pollution, Nature/biodiversity

2. How would you want Napier district to have responded to these issues between now and 2030?

 

Climate Change

Collaboration with Environment Centre Hawke’s Bay and 3R Group, to reduce emissions.

Collaboration with Civil Defence, to ensure vulnerable communities are catered foe in case of flooding and other environmental events.

Electric vehicles for council fleet.

Encouraging carpooling for council, businesses and community.

Public transport – extensive and frequent. Seek extra central government funding if required.

Bus routes and/or cycle lanes to all schools. Accessibility (universal design) for disabled and elderly included in road design.

Council food-waste collection, as well as promotion of home composting.

 

Water pollution

Collaboration with Sustainable Coastlines (Litter Intelligence) to assess the litter that Napier and Hawke’s Bay residents and industries are putting into our waterways (rivers).

Enforcement of regulations against polluting industries (estuary).

Reducing or stopping single-plastic use at council and supporting businesses who sell reusable products.

Education of public regarding pollution (including oil) into our waterways.

Support of biodiversity projects.

 

Nature/biodiversity

Collaboration with other councils, NGOs, community environmental groups and businesses, to protect our soil, water and native plants and wildlife (biodiversity).

Collaboration with and support of Residents’ Associations that run biodiversity projects.

Increasing the amount of native plants in council parks and reserves and traffic islands.

 

 

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