Candidate Profiles 2022

Masterton The Way You Want It

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.

I’ve lived in the Masterton District for over 20 years, I and my family have gone to school here and it is a great place to work and live. I believe it is time for change. Time for a fresh perspective and a leader who will bring the council together with the community – to build trust through honesty and transparency.

Your vote for me will ensure that the views of the community will be brought into the council decision-making process as we need everyone on the same page to build a better future for the people in our area. We need to develop solutions to the issues faced by us all with a long-term focus. Together we can do better to get Masterton the way you want it

Masterton Matters

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton District Council area. I am also standing for Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward.

As a four-term councillor I believe I have the strength, character and experience to lead the council through what promises to be a very challenging next three years. The gulf between council and community must be addressed so that the two are working closely together in the best interests of the district, both urban and rural.

The current town hall site is clearly my preferred option for the new civic centre and I also favour the library being upgraded on its present site. A major priority must be the enhancement of our water infrastructure to cope with the localised problems highlighted by recent heavy rainfall, housing and transport concerns must be tackled, our climate change plan must be progressed, the CBD make-over should be advanced with strong business input and, very importantly, everything done to ensure rate increases are kept to a minimum.

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton District Council area.

Masterton deserves a Mayor who is driven, experienced and passionate about our district. I believe this is me, and I want to work for you. I am a former Member of Parliament, Local Government employee, an active Iwi member, who has whakapapa (ancestry) to both Wairarapa Iwi (Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitäne)

I believe, Masterton is the hidden jewel of the East Coast, with an Economy just waiting to take off and a Destination second to none. As Mayor, I want to see action on the gnarly and not-so-gnarly parts like; 3 Waters, Housing, Community Wellbeing, and Government Reform to name a few.

I bring a fresh perspective, and a willingness to learn, listen and be your Voice. I have been involved in local government planning for Wairarapa and the region. I’m married with two sons and three mokopuna (grandchildren).

Vote Jo Hayes for Mayor of Masterton.

Independent

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton District Council area.

It’s time for change. Vote William Izard for Masterton Mayor. I am delighted to have returned to my hometown with my wife Lynda, and would relish the opportunity to continue to create a vibrant future for our town and community. I believe Masterton has done well, but with a little W.Izard magic, we can do better. How?

W = Working with town developers, visionaries and iwi

I = Infrastructure

Z = Zero distraction from our core priorities

A = Act in the best interests of our residents and ratepayers – always

R = Roading

D = Direct, robust, open debate

Rate payers are not a bottomless pit, I will listen to the people – our people. If you see me on the street, say hi – I would love to hear what you have to say about our great town. Vote William Izard for Masterton Mayor.

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton/Whakaoriori Māori Ward area.

Wairarapa is my heart. Masterton is my home. Paraikete Hemi-Matiaha and Hineipikitiakiterangi Reiri are my Grandparents. Paraikete comes from South Wairarapa. Hinepikitiakiterangi comes from Mangakuta and Te Whiti.

I am standing as a Councillor for the Māori Ward because for the first time I can see myself reflected in the council, a place and a space where I want to be, where I can continue be of service.

I want Masterton to be a thriving place that our mokopuna will be proud to call home. A place that will launch them into exciting, vibrant adult lives whilst at the same time being a sanctuary where they can breathe our fresh air and be re-energized, tramp in our clean spaces and be re-vitalized, and learn our history and be grounded. This is what I want for all of us. That is why I am standing for Council.

Ko Wairarapa tōku ūkaipo. Kei Whakaoriori e noho ana. He mokopuna no Paraikete Hemi-Matiaha no te Taitonga o Wairarapa, no Hinepikitiaiterangi anōhoki no roto mai o Mangaakuta, Te Whiti hoki.

No inaianei kua kitea i ngä hua o roto i to tātou kaunihera. He kauhanga, he waahi e hiahia nei e au te mahi atu Koia nei taku manawa wera te tū hei kaikaunihera mo ngā wāri Māori.

Ko te moemoeā, kia rangona a tätou mokopuna i te mana nui o t tätou hau kāinga. Kia mōhio, a-tinana, ā-wairua, ā[1]hinengaro, ā-whatumanawa, he tūrangawaewae tēnei e tāea te whakatipu i ō tātou kākāno kia tipu kia rea, kia puawai hei pakeke ngangahu ki ōna whēnua ake. Mtua ko tēnā, kia mau hoki rātou ki ngā hītori o te kāinga, ā, kia whakawhenua i ā ia anō i raro i te ahurumōwai o Te Wairarapatanga. Kōia nei taku manako nui kia tū.

My principal place of residence is in the At Large area.

Kia Ora, Talofa, I’m Brent Gare, standing for re-election for the Masterton District Council. I’ve learnt a lot in my first term and am proud to represent the Masterton district. I’m very active in the community, coaching women’s rugby, refereeing, assisting in fundraising for community groups as well as being an Ambassador for Hospice Wairarapa.

Cost efficiency is my focus for this term, ensuring Masterton is not only the best place to live, but affordable. I’ve raised my children here and love the region with a passion. I’ll advocate for families to have great facilities from sport to the arts. Community driven and council supported projects and upgrading infrastructure will also be a key focus.

We have some major challenges ahead of us with a changing climate and central government pressures. Let’s work together to prioritise these. With your support, I’ll continue to work for you.

Reduce staff and Civic Centre costs

My principal place of residence is in the At Large area.

I’m standing because I’m optimistic that a new Council will have a majority wanting similar changes to reduce the rates burden. Please vote for those wanting to reduce rates and expenditure. In the last 9 years annual staff costs have increased from $5.6m/yr to currently over $14m/yr – staff numbers have more than doubled! I want less staff.

The Civic Centre has an indicated cost over $70m and there is a plan to spend $35m+ on rearranging the CBD around it. I want a much cheaper option. MDC has too many secret meetings(workshops) – they take the debate out of the public eye, shield the Councillors who don’t contribute and are undemocratic. MDC has a very high proportion of people on fixed incomes – our rates are too high and must reduce.

Affordability and Accountability

My principal place of residence is in the At Large area.

 My career background is in corporate governance and management – primarily in tourism and hospitality – specialising in corporate administration, project management, financial administration, and business viability. I have a varied and diverse experience, multiple skills and extensive knowledge to offer Council. I have involved myself in voluntary community, NGO, service and sporting organisations, wherever I reside.

Currently I actively contribute to the Masterton Ratepayers & Residents Association, Age Concern Wairarapa and the Masterton Action Group. To the incoming Council I offer diverse career and voluntary service experiences, and knowledge – that will enable me to make a valid and telling contribution to the community and business responsibilities of the MDC.

My focus will be on Affordability, Transparency and Accountability – for example – the Civic Centre proposal is unaffordable, Council decision-making lacks transparency, and the current Council shows a distinct lack of accountability!! This has to change. Let’s Fix This!! Vote Harrison.

My principal place of residence is in the At Large area.

I’m proud to represent rural Masterton. I’ve farmed all my life and bring a balanced view to Council. I understand financial restraints faced by all ratepayers with ever increasing costs. I oppose 3 waters and believe the model is wrong. More water storage is a priority for district water security. Wastewater is a resource which we could use for irrigation.

Masterton needs a Civic Centre. I believe this should be on the existing town hall site, already owned by rate payers. Infrastructure upgrades are essential to address severe rainfall events, new builds and pressure from increasing population.

Ratepayers fund revenue for Council. We need to budget accordingly and spend appropriately, especially with Government cutting Councils percentage of funding. I believe every ratepayer is important and that communication from Council and councillors is a priority. I am available to listen to people’s issues and will always follow up on them.

Next Generation Councillor

My principal place of residence is in the At Large area.

Born and bred in Masterton, I know this town like the back of my hand. Returning from overseas in 2008, my family of four are active community members and we love this place. I currently serve as Chair of Lakeview School Board, Te Hapori Skatepark, and work as a manager for one of Kainga Ora’s leading maintenance partners. I am a member of the Masterton Theatre Company and Friends of Queen Elizabeth Park. Community engagement is key from our council.

I will offer a fresh set of ears, tuning in to your current concerns and desires for change, and will work hard to get things done. The key issues facing this town; housing, rate affordability, infrastructure and the decision around the Civic Centre. Never content with the status-quo, I believe robust conversations and community engagement around these is paramount to ensure Masterton is the best place for all to enjoy.

Community at heart

My principal place of residence is in the At Large area.

I have 22 years’ experience working in community development. Roles have included Manukau City Council and manager of Connecting Communities Wairarapa, more recently as the National Funding and Project Manager for People First NZ, a disabled people’s organisation. I worked with the Lansdowne community to establish Lansdowne Residents Association and I raised over $90,000 to revegetate the trails and enhance biodiversity.

I am doer not a talker. I am in business with my husband and son; I am invested in our town’s prosperity. I have three wonderful grandsons attending local schools. I have enjoyed my term on council and have served on climate change, cycling, infrastructure and services, grants, and I co-chair the refugee resettlement governance group. I am solution focused, strategic and collaborative, I do the mahi at council meetings, I want to live and work in a progressive town, and I will work hard to see that materialise.

 Masterton The Way You Want It

 My principal place of residence is in the Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.

I’ve lived in the Masterton District for over 20 years, I and my family have gone to school here and it is a great place to work and live. I believe it is time for change. Time for a fresh perspective and a leader who will bring the council together with the community – to build trust through honesty and transparency.

Your vote for me will ensure that the views of the community will be brought into the council decision-making process as we need everyone on the same page to build a better future for the people in our area. We need to develop solutions to the issues faced by us all with a long-term focus. Together we can do better to get Masterton the way you want it.

Masterton Matters

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward area.

I am also standing for Mayor. As a four-term councillor I know that experience is going to be crucial leading into what is going to be a very challenging three years. Some hard decisions have to be made and the benefit of past experience can’t be under-estimated. Nor can the need for council and community to work closely together to produce the best solutions.

The current town hall site is clearly my preferred option for the new civic centre and I also favour the library being upgraded on its present site. A major priority must be the enhancement of our water infrastructure to cope with the localised problems highlighted by recent heavy rainfall, housing and transport concerns must be tackled, our climate change plan must be progressed, the CBD make-over should be advanced with strong business input and, very importantly, everything done to ensure rate increases are kept to a minimum.

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward area.

Common Sense, Commitment, Integrity Masterton is my home. I was born, raised, and educated in Masterton. Trudy and I raised our children here. I am passionate about ensuring Masterton is a great place to live, work, retire, and prosper – for all people.

Most of my work life has been in education including being a teacher, principal, university lecturer, school advisor, and currently I am an education consultant. Beyond education, I have served in the NZ Army, and worked on the ground in forestry, construction, transport, and the meat industry. I have held a range of governance roles including on school boards, the MTLT, ECCT, and REAP Wairarapa.

If elected, I will work hard to ensure council spending prioritises council’s core business including mitigating the risks of climate change. Funds available over and above this should focus on enabling economic, social, and cultural wellbeing. Together – a better Masterton.

Independent

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward area.

Self-employed for over 35 years, I understand business, the need to weigh up competing views and bringing people together. My association with council-related work stretches back several years in various roles, serving on the boards of Business Wairarapa and Volunteering Wairarapa.

As author of the Masterton Residents & Ratepayers Association report on the council’s long-term plan, I know savings can be made for ratepayers. With the Town hall debate for example, expenses must meet income, not the other way round. In economically difficult times our district needs value for money. Council staff and wages have nearly doubled since 2016. Ratepayer numbers have not.

Governance is about directing council staff, not staff leading Councillors. Three Waters being forced on our district is not acceptable – we need more public involvement in local issues, not less. There’s no place for party politics – an independent candidate who will listen to all residents.

Independent

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward area.

It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to be a Masterton District Councillor for the last three years. I am proud of the way in which I have represented our community, with a focus on key infrastructure, while being a strong voice against poorly thought out projects, the moving of the civic centre being a key example of this; I am a councillor who has fought and voted from the start to keep the centre on the current site.

I will always ask the hard questions and will hold others to account; I stand behind my voting record on every issue. I would love the opportunity to be a part of a cohesive council that works together to address what our community actually needs; we are the custodians of ratepayer money, every dollar must be spent with justification and good sense.

My principal place of residence is not in the Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward area.

I’ve thought long and hard whether or not to stand again this election. In deciding, I have considered this to be a uniquely important election for both the country and this Council. Nationally, because there are major reforms soon to be decided that will long determine the shape of every future local government. In Masterton, because with several experienced Councillors retiring and a new Mayor, it will be critical to still have people at the table who know the ropes around these reforms and procedures.

There is also the issue of the Civic Centre, its affordability and priority in deeply uncertain times. Moreover, in today’s world I think it crucial to have Councillors promoting transformative policies and actions on climate change, the environment and a just transition to a low carbon economy. Our future well-being and prosperity depend on it.