Timaru is my home.  It’s where Jane and I raised our daughters, where we have built our business, it’s the community I am proud of.  What makes Timaru special isn’t just location in the centre of the south, it’s the people, resilient, and proud of their roots.

The most vibrant and connected provincial district in New Zealand, where people can balance both lifestyle and work opportunities.

Housing that meets the community’s needs.

A community that has invested back in its infrastructure, a community where young people don’t have to leave to succeed, because education, training and career paths are right here at home.

A decentralised democracy where communities are making the decisions on those things that are important to them.  For too long Wellington has controlled the lives of every New Zealander.  We need continued strong advocacy for the things that matter, education, health, police, infrastructure.

Proven leadership in tough situations, unlike other candidates I don’t just talk, I have shown I can get results.  I’ve led our district through water reform, major infrastructure upgrades and planning, and regional advocacy as Chair of the Mayoral Forum.  Timaru needs leadership that understands our challenges, has the connections to influence government decisions, and the experience to turn plans into actions.

I led the work on the age friendly strategy; it’s something I ran on and delivered 6 years ago. This work is now led through our community development team with community support. As we rebuild public facilities, we have an increased focus on accessibility for all, our review of our own public housing continues to focus on the needs of retirees without the means of owning their own home.

Education hub withing Timaru supported by Ara so students don’t have to travel to study and can have a hybrid life of working and study is my goal. Scholarships across industry and public sector. Affordable housing to attract young people to Timaru. Positioning Timaru as a strategic partner for government across both Canterbury and South Canterbury.

Continue on output internal reform of service delivery across all council services focused on delivering fair rates whilst continue to invest at a level that sets up our future generations for success.

Continue the reform process we are currently going through. I have been leading the changes which has seen park come inside council to increase level of service and cost of delivery, legal has come in house to decrease consultancy cost.  Firm direction for the CE to deliver on priorities of community through the long-term plan. Deliver water changes to maintain affordability for the consumer.