Dyet urges candidates to ‘be informed’
Poorly informed candidates should think twice about standing in the coming election, says Waipā District Council chief executive Garry Dyet.
Dyet has just released his independent pre-election report which lays out Council’s challenges, priorities and key projects. He says this is a “pivotal” time to be a Waipā elected representative and warns it is not an easy role.
“Waipā has some huge opportunities ahead. But the (government) reform programme alone makes it essential our district has astute, strategic and well-informed leaders,” he said.
“We need decision-makers who understand the implications of these reforms and will take a considered and long-term approach to important issues and opportunities. We need people who will put the time and the work in to understand the issues at stake, and to make the best possible decisions on behalf of our entire district.”
“The bottom line is that poorly informed people will struggle around the Council table. So I’m urging candidates to do their research, ask questions and get up to speed with key issues. If not, they risk doing our community a real disservice.”
The pre-election report, prepared independently of the mayor and councillors, is required by law. It lays out Council’s priorities and alongside government reform, notes four other “important things” Dyet believes candidates must be aware of.
Managing huge growth well, alongside the development of Ahu Ake, Waipa’s first ever spatial plan, will be big priorities for Council. In addition, the Council is developing a better way to work more effectively with tangata whenua while considering “substantial and far-reaching” changes to its District Plan, the rule book around what people can and can’t do with their land.
“Government legislation is forcing huge change upon all councils; change that in many cases will fundamentally change our towns and neighbourhoods,” he said. “So while this is an exciting time to be at the decision-making table, it will be also be very challenging.”
Financial information, including how Council’s finances work, is also detailed alongside key financial benchmarks.
Nominations for Waipā District Councillors and Community Board members are already open and close on Friday, August 12. Waipā District Council is seeking a mayor and 11 councillors as well as Community Board members for both Cambridge and Te Awamutu.
A copy of the pre-election report can be found here.
