FAQ
Candidate Q&A – Moira Lawler for Pāuatahanui Ward
Community first · Straight answers · Real priorities
Housing and Growth
Q. Are you in favour of more housing in Northern Porirua?
A. Yes – if it’s done right. Growth must protect the character of places like Pāuatahanui and Pukerua Bay. That means working closely with communities, ensuring infrastructure is in place, and holding developers to their promises. We also have to encourage intensification in the city centre and round transport nodes. Urban sprawl is not the future. I’ve led planning at Council – I know how to make growth work for locals.
Q. How will you make sure housing growth actually benefits locals?
A. Growth should build community, not just houses. I’ll push for developments like Plimmerton Farm to include green space, walking connections, community facilities, and strong environmental protections. Housing must be affordable, future-proofed, and shaped by community input.
Environment and Climate
Q. What’s your approach to protecting Porirua’s environment?
A. Our wetlands, bush, streams and coastline are taonga. I’m committed to restoring and protecting them—not just because they’re beautiful, but because they support community wellbeing. I’ll back practical, long-term investment in environmental restoration.
Q. How should Porirua prepare for climate change?
A. We need to act with courage and care. I support community-based climate action, smart infrastructure, and initiatives like the Citizens’ Assembly hosted by Ngāti Toa. This is about making wise decisions now to protect future generations. It’s about everybody doing their part to make a difference.
Q. What will you do to improve water quality in our streams and harbour?
A. I’ll bring energy back to the Harbour Accord and work with Ngāti Toa, GWRC, and communities to clean up our waterways. We need stronger stormwater controls, wetland and stream protection, and long-term action to stop siltation in places like Taupō Swamp. We need to get behind the community groups who have dedicated so much time to restoring our environment.
Infrastructure and Transport
Q. Can our infrastructure handle all this growth?
A. Not yet – but it can if we plan well. I’ll push for growth to be sequenced with infrastructure upgrades. Roads, pipes, public transport and parks must be built for future needs, not past models.
Q. What will you do to improve transport options?
A. I support safer walking and cycling routes, better buses, and smart regional coordination. Everyone should be able to get around easily – whether you’re commuting, learning to ride, or heading to the shops.
Rates and Financial Sustainability
Q. How will you keep rates affordable while meeting community needs?
A. By being transparent and prioritising what matters. I’ll advocate for fairer funding tools – like returning GST to councils. We need to make sure our projects are simple and effective – money spent well. We need long-term thinking, not short-term fixes.
Q. Should Council take on more debt to fund growth?
A. Debt is a tool – not a solution. It must be used wisely and with community input. I’ll bring experience, sound judgement, and a focus on intergenerational responsibility. We need a city wide conversation about how much growth we want or need, and what’s sustainable for our future.
Coastal and Rural Communities
Q. How will you protect the identity of our villages and coast?
A. These communities are close to my heart. I’ll fight for place-based planning that protects what makes them special. Development must serve local people, respect the land, and prepare us for coastal change.
Community Voice and Democracy
Q. How will you restore trust in Council?
A. I’ve worked on both sides of the table. I know how to open up Council processes and make them work for communities. Trust comes when people feel heard and respected – and I’ll always lead with transparency, honesty, and care.
Q. How can we strengthen local democracy?
A. By putting people at the centre. That means participatory planning, accessible engagement, and supporting young leaders. I also support lowering the voting age to 16 and building stronger local leadership.
Amalgamation and Regional Collaboration
Q. What’s your position on amalgamating local councils or regional reform?
A. I support coordination – like on three waters or transport – but not forced amalgamation. Bigger isn’t always better. Local government must stay local, with decisions made by and for our communities.
Closing Statement
Local government is where things get real. It’s where decisions directly affect people’s lives. I bring leadership experience, deep community knowledge, and a track record of getting things done. Let’s build a Council we can be proud of – one that listens, acts with integrity, and puts our communities first.