Moira Lawler, Pukerua Bay Council candidate and long term Pukerua Bay resident has challenged David Seymour’s comments regarding the ‘meet the candidates’ meeting in Pukerua Bay last week, and called for constructive dialogue about the rising costs Councils face.
Seymour claimed, on his Facebook page, that there was a ’pile on’ by other candidates when the ACT candidate, when asked where he would save money, said he thought paying the kaumatua was wasteful. “Most candidates, when asked this question talked about service levels, completing projects within agreed costs, or ensuring good governance” said Lawler. “The ACT candidates only response was to cut a Kaumatua payment. The response from those attending, was visceral” says Lawler, “I have lived in this community for over 30 years, and it has always been an inclusive community. The suggestion to cut the Kaumatua felt like a cheap shot, to the other candidates and the audience.”
Everyone agrees that rising rates are a problem but government could do much more to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
“If the coalition government is serious about helping Councils manage costs there are things they can do – reinstate funding for the Access Kenepuru intersection and footpath projects cancelled by Waka Kotahi; stop changing the rules on matters such as speed restrictions outside schools costing Council hundreds of thousands of dollars in new signage; and stop generating costs without additional funding like the new emergency management standards that government acknowledges are likely to cost ratepayers.”
What residents want to see is genuine solutions to the very real investment challenges facing most Councils. ‘The Review into the Future for Local Government (2023) He piki tūranga, he piki kōtuku’, had some useful recommendations. “Councils have to be efficient and accountable – no one would argue with that”, says Lawler. “But they also need to be sustainable if they are to carry out their legislative functions. We need good faith discussion with government on funding models that ensure Councils can retain the promise of local democracy and responsibly meet the needs of current and future residents. That would make an actual difference.”
Moira Lawler
Council Candidate Pāuatahanui Ward, Porirua City
Ph 0223241842