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Local Body Elections 2007 - Survey

ENM asked candidates standing for Palmerston North City Council, and Horizons Regional Council (Palmerston North and Horowhenua-Kairanga constituencies) to answer a brief survey.

Their responses are posted here, as they are received.  Responses from the candidates have not been edited. 

We hope you enjoy reading what the candidates have to say to help you decide how to cast your vote.

Question 1. What is your favourite tree and why?

Question 2. What do you do to make your everyday living more sustainable?

Question 3. What will you do to improve the water quality of the Manawatu River

Question 4. Do you think there is adequate attention given to public transportation and cyclists in the city/district/region?

Question 5. What do you consider to be the biggest environmental issue facing our region and what can we do about it?

Question 6. A number of councils around NZ have joined the "ICLEI-A/NZ" Communities for Climate Protection - New Zealand Programme.  Would you support your council joining?

Lynne Pope – Horizons Councillor Candidate, Palmerston North

Question 1

Kauri.  My iwi is Te Roroa.  Before my birth, my iwi established a conservation and reforestation project in the Waipoua Forest, on my ancestral lands.  I see Tane Mahuta and know that my ancestors watched him grow.  When I plant a kauri it is with the hope that future generations will be inspired to keep protecting these magnificent trees and ensure the environment continues to support them. 

Question 2

I use various methods to work towards my household reaching zero waste and aim to be as close to carbon neutral as possible.  I recycle, grow my own vegetables and have as many trees as possible on a city section.  I haven’t yet reached either target but continually work towards this goal.

Question 3

Advocate more frequent monitoring of water quality and stricter enforcement of permit conditions.  I am opposed to waste and effluent disposal into the river and feel higher levels of treatment before discharge are needed.  I also believe that effluent and run-off from farms needs to be regulated.

Question 4

The city council needs to provide a safer cycling environment and provide cycling routes that are cycle-only, separate from motor vehicles.  While I believe that the public transport system is adequate given current usage patterns, more needs to be done to encourage people to use public transport. 

Question 5

Rain.  With climate change already upon us the region faces increased risk from extreme weather events that will bring flooding.  However, these same weather changes also bring an increased risk of hill country erosion.  With increasing risks of floods, slips, and potential for mudslides the suitability of land for construction and residential subdivision must be revisited.  Much of our region is flood plain so building on some land subject to flooding is inevitable.  We can mitigate the effects by changing our architectural specifications for homes. 

Question 6

I cannot give a simple “yes” or “no” to this question.  I support the work of the ICLEI-A and believe it can result in significant benefits to councils and their communities.  However, while I support in principle Horizons joining the ICLEI-A/NZ I do not, at this point, know if Horizons has the staffing resources to be a fully participating member.  Membership simply for the “feel good” factor but without a full commitment to furthering the goals of the ICLEI-A would, I believe, be harmful to the organisation and misleading to the community.  Councils should commit fully and ensure they contribute, or stay away until they can.  The ICLEI-A should not be treated as a public relations exercise or used just to promote a sense of “hey, we are doing something” to the community.  I am on record as voting against the Palmerston North City Council who was intending to join for the sake of the PR, but not do anything.  Had PNCC intended to actually contribute and further the goals of the ICLEI-A/NZ, my vote would have been different.

Jill White – Horizons Councillor Candidate, Palmerston North

Question 1

One of my favourite trees is the kowhai – it is beautiful, grows well in the soil at       our home and attracts birds such as the tui.    Others are our plum trees that enhance   breakfasts many weeks of the year.

Question 2

 My everyday living is made more sustainable by reusing materials eg. supermarket bags are reused many times for shopping; recycling eg. glass, paper, plastics, tin cans; planting trees; compost; growing some of our own food; using the ‘Capital Connection’ train service for some visits to Wellington .

Question 3

If elected to Horizons Regional Council I will be working to ensure that ‘One Plan’ includes measures that improve water quality in the Manawatu River and other regional water bodies.   This will include both point discharge and non-point discharge of pollutants.   If not elected I will continue to be part of the PNCC wastewater monitoring group.

Question 4

(a) We have some positive public transport initiatives including the ‘Capital Connection’ train service between Palmerston North and Wellington, the free bus to Massey and the other bus services funded by the Regional Council.   To further improve the services I believe a clear message needs to come from ratepayers.

(b) The situation for cyclists is woeful.    The provision of cycle lanes is inadequate.  Roads are not safe, even where there are cycle lanes.   Hazards include not only other traffic but also debris such as broken glass.   

Question 5

I consider the biggest environmental issue facing our region to be the loss of soil by erosion.  This seriously affects water quality, increases flooding potential by greater run-off and decreases productivity of the land.    The Regional Council initiative to encourage and work with farmers in the most highly erodible land, to develop ‘whole farm plans’, is a very useful step forward and deserves support.

Question 6

 I would want to know what practical results have been achieved by ICLEA-A/NZ. 

David Booth – Horizons Councillor Candidate, Palmerston North

Question 1

The Puriri stands out for me. It attracts many native bird most notably the Kereru,  plays host to the native moth (and grub), has an excellent stature, lives for many years and plays an integral part of our natural bush in warmer parts of our country. When dead its’ timber is almost as hard as steel and beautifully grained. Furniture made from this will last many lifetimes and even the Puriri grub holes are an added feature. It was used for posts and strainers in places, such was its’ profusion.

Question 2

We compost what we can of our household rubbish and recycle the rest, if accepted. We grow what vegetable we can and purchase organic produce if available. We also use our vehicle sparingly, use ‘energy efficient light bulbs’ where practical and avoid purchasing products which could cause damage to the environment.

Question 3

Impose a water levy on Dairy farmers based upon usage of water, whether from groundwater or waterways – but not their dams. The funds generated would be paid to and managed by Council and spent on non-dairy farmers who were suffering under SLUI encompassed in the ‘One Plan’. It would enable it would enable Council to accelerate spending on a priority basis, thereby reducing costs in future years. The amount of spending would determine the fund required – on a consultation basis and need not be excessive except for unexpected emergencies. Dairy farmers would effectively be helping fellow farmers with impending hardship .This will accelerate improvements in water quality more quickly.

Question 4

 I haven’t given a great deal of thought to these issues but would obviously take an interest if elected. There seems to be plenty of cycle lanes however I have no idea if cyclists are happy with them. All I can say at this stage is that I would need to consider what others know of these issues. I have no pre-set conclusions at the time of replying.

Question 5

As an avid trout fisher I witness first hand the damage caused by erosion - in particular that on our hill country. What could be more important? The silt raises river beds further down requiring stop banks to be raise let alone causing flooding on other farms incurring a huge financial burden on fellow farmers .The real problem is though, .how do those hill country farmers convert ‘non farmable’ land into say forestry or leave fallow? My above proposal will provide extra funds to assist those in need

Question 6

 Yes I would support this – a combined approach from many Communities will make for better rewards and it would be illogical not to belong to such an organization from which one could draw on its’ apparent’  expertise.

Emma Goodwin – Horizons Councillor Candidate, Palmerston North

Question 1

Totara. For its strength and presence and as a reminder of how small people really are on the planet.

Question 2

Buy locally, refuse packaging, recycle as much as possible and walk as much as I can.

Question 3

Persuade Council to take a harder line on non compliance and decrease farm run off. Set more stringent targets for industry to decrease waste products. Make discharging waste into the river an uneconomical way for industry to get rid of its waste. Increase awareness of pollution issues among urban people so they can take ownership of the river.

Question 4

No. Central government need to subsidise public transport more so a better service is provided and therefore more people will use it and in turn it becomes self sustainable. Cyclists need a safer environment to be able to travel particularly to and from schools and colleges to encourage the habit of using bikes to travel. More cycle lanes or designated cycle routes.

Question 5

Unsustainable farming and industrial practices that are causing erosion and water pollution. Dairy farmers are under pressure to increase milk yields which in turn affects the environment as too many stock create too much nitrogen. Tougher rules need to be enforced to ensure the waterways are protected to prevent further damage.

Question 6

Yes

Richard Forgie – Horizons Councillor Candidate, Palmerston North

Question 1.

My favourite tree is a ten-metre tall kauri growing in our back yard in Palmerston North . It is an iconic native and it is great to have a healthy one growing in our garden.

Question 2.

I drive a Subaru RX, (where I used to drive a bigger car). We recycle all cans, plastic, papers, bottles, cardboard, glass. We live in a well-insulated house built to capture as much sun as possible.

Question 3.

On-farm practices practices need to be improved to reduce dairy waste volumes reaching waterways. Any industrial development in food processing industries at Longburn and Feilding  will need realistic and enforced environmental standards, tailored to maintain water quality at summer river flow rates.

Question 4.

Horizons support of buses used by Massey students and staff has been a very positive step. Further initiatives will be needed in the future as petrol supplies diminish, petrol costs escalate, and a greater proportion of our population revert to walking, biking or bussing to work.

Question 5.

Global warming, due to the escalated flood risk implications. We need to push for more investment in research and development of technology.

Question 6.

Yes.

 Vern Chettleburgh – Horizons Councillor Candidate, Palmerston North

Question 1.

I am currently involved in the Tree Trust, Horizons Regional Council, Trustee Rhododendron Heritage Park Trust, Te Araroa Walkway Trustee and have a significant number of trees planted in my home property.

I like all trees and depending on where the tree is to be planted it will be my favourite e.g. fruit trees, street tree, forest, shade tree etc.

Question 2.

Eat healthy food from the vegetable garden, recycle etc

Question 3.

Adopt and enforce Horizon Regional Council One Plan

Question 4.

Ongoing:  Currently Chairman of Horizons Passenger Transport subcommittee that adopted the free transport to Massey and Uncol.  Formerly a Trustee of the Green Bikes.  Need to ensure there be further development of cycling facilities.

Question 5.

Water quality and quantity.  More research is required

Graeme Galley – Horizons Councillor Candidate, Kairanga-Horowhenua

Question 1

The Kowhai I like the  contrast of the yellow flower against the green leaves

Question 2

I wear more clothes in the winter, thereby reducing our heating needs. I have 3 containers under the bench for rubbish, 1 for the worm farm, 1 for the recyclables, and a small one for the rubbish. I do not drive my Jags as much as I used to, and I now feel guilty when I do-I have even made enquiries about a Toyota Prius. I am the Manager for Environua Trust, an organisation based here in the Horowhenua that promotes the recycling and reuse message.

Question 3

A) Hold the polluters to task, primarily to expect a decrease in their pollution levels. This needs to be done over an agreed timeframe to ensure both our economies and our environment are sustainable.

B) Expect those polluters to contribute to remedial work to clean up there mess.

C) Establish barriers, or filtration systems ie reed beds etc to insulate the river

D) Encourage greater use of the river by the public. This will ensure more people are aware of the resource and will also increase the number of people keeping an eye on the health of the river

Question 4

No The better the transport system, the more people will use it.  Cycling is a personal choice and as such I believe adequate attention needs to be given to ensuring we have safe cycle lanes within the region.

Question 5

Our own impact on the environment and our failure to realise the link with have with this planet of ours. While we have a right to live here, it seems we have forgotten that we are one part of the ecosystem. We must support the eco-system, not expect the eco-system to support us. We all need to be doing more to ensure our footprint is smaller tomorrow, than it is today. We can do that through walking more, wasting less, growing more food ourselves (in our own backyards) and buying less.

Question 6

On the information you have supplied I would say yes. I will however bracket that with the fact that I have not heard of the programme, so I would have to research it more before giving it my full endorsement.

Lynne Pearce – Horizons Councillor Candidate, Horowhenua-Kairanga

Question 1

Any tree in its natural form, not ruined by the ravages of the human hand or the mouth of a possum is beautiful. However given that you have asked me to identify one in particular as my favourite I would choose the beautiful karaka with its impressive form and beautiful berries that produce a rich food source for many bird species, including our magnificent native wood pigeon (kereru).

Question 2

As much as possible I adopt the four R’s practice – reduce, re-use, recycle, and refuse.

Question 3

Historically, I have actively supported all land based effluent disposal schemes and other projects that keep nitrogen, phosphorus and other bacterial and chemical agents out of the Manawatu River

Wearing a personal hat (as opposed to being a Horowhenua District Councillor) I publicly stated my objection to Palmerston North City Council’s resource consent application to dispose wastewater effluent to the Manawatu River, at a public meeting held in Foxton and have actively lobbied my own Council internally to work toward getting their own house in order sooner rather than later.

If elected, I will continue to work in the same vein by ensuring that Horizons undertake their environmental stewardship role as well and their consent authority and compliance monitoring role effectively. The proposed One Plan will provide a mechanism for this to occur more stringently and effectively once it is adopted.  However I don’t see the introduction of One Plan as being a swift process, so in the interim I believe that Horizons is obligated to issue consents within the bounds of their current policies & rules whilst being cognisant of and using the draft One Plan policies, rules & objectives as guidelines when assessing resource consent applications. I intend to ensure that Horizons sticks to their undertaking in this regard.

Question 4

I believe that Horizon’s role in the regional transport/public transport sector is adequate. However, I don’t believe that it is sufficiently good that they can afford to rest on their laurels. It is one area where central, regional and territorial local government can easily work together to educate the public, work together to formulate effective transportation models with logical  timetabling and at such a cost that the general public can see the benefits in using it. The environmental advantages of an effective public transportation system clearly speak for themselves.

A similar cross boundary approach can be used to further promote cycling initiatives for both young & the old(er) residents of the region for both health and environmental reasons. Making cycling as safe as possible where the cyclist/pedestrian/vehicle interface issues naturally occur will be an exercise that involves both public education and infrastructural challenges in improving road design. These are not likely to be quick fixes but in the long term the efforts made will reap very rich rewards.

 Question 5

I can’t separate the issues of water quality & land management because the latter directly impacts on the former.

1. The sustainable management of our fresh water resources from both surface & subterranean sources

  2. Sustainable land management practices. These may include:

The use of suitable land for effluent disposal, encouraging large point source dischargers to re-think their options with a view to using the nutrients in their wastewater to return a dividend from an appropriate crop.

The introduction of sustainable land use initiatives/practices to re- vegetate erosion prone land is sound practice. Its  introduction which will also improve the quality of our local river water & the receiving coastal environment where precious estuary ecosystems are at risk from tonnes of toxin infused silt being deposited there, particularly during severe flooding events

Question 6

Yes, I believe that ICLEI is a highly creditable organisation that is well worth joining.

 Bryan Kilsby -Horizons- Horowhenua Kairanga candidate

Question 1.

Cabbage tree. It stands tall on its own and doesn’t create a sense of greed to cut it down. It is who it is.

Question 2.

Practice daily recycling, rely on rain water,  planted 4ha of pines for fire wood, use a diesel vehicle by choice,  reuse our grey water,

Question 3.

Treat all river and land users the same with no preference for larger polluters. No new consents to discharge direct.Monitor more closely hill country erosion,

Question 4.

Smaller centers transport services have declined and need to be revised. A transport system that fosters tourism, one that is aimed at transport to health providers and its support agencies.

Question 5.

River pollution and visual pollution of  over urbanized rural land.

Question 6.

 Yes

Vern Chettleburgh – Horizons Councillor Candidate, Palmerston North

Question 1.

I am currently involved in the Tree Trust, Horizons Regional Council, Trustee Rhododendron Heritage Park Trust, Te Araroa Walkway Trustee and have a significant number of trees planted in my home property.

I like all trees and depending on where the tree is to be planted it will be my favourite e.g. fruit trees, street tree, forest, shade tree etc.

Question 2.

Eat healthy food from the vegetable garden, recycle etc

Question 3.

Adopt and enforce Horizon Regional Council One Plan

Question 4.

Ongoing:  Currently Chairman of Horizons Passenger Transport subcommittee that adopted the free transport to Massey and Uncol.  Formerly a Trustee of the Green Bikes.  Need to ensure there be further development of cycling facilities.

Question 5.

Water quality and quantity.  More research is required