Ruapehu District Council elections: first of the Bulletin candidate profiles

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 305, 19 September 1989, Page 8

Ruapehu District Council elections:

first of the Bulletin candidate profiles

Terry Podmore District Council Mayoral candidate O ccupation: Company Manager Education: Primary numerous - Secondary Hamilton Technical College attaining School Certificate. Previous local government and committee/leadersh

ip experience: Justice of the Peace, Marriage Celebrant, Taumarunui Jaycees Inc (Life Member), International Jaycees (Life Member), Taumarunui Aero Club (Flying Member), Taumarunui Beautiful New Zealand (Patron), Taumarunui 1990 Working Party (Chairman), Taumarunui & District Promotion &

Development Assn (Foundation and Honary Member), Taumarunui Defensive Driving Council (Foundation Member), Resource and Development Committee (Member), King Country Electric Power Board (Member), Avonlea Trust Board (Member), Taumarunui Borough Council (Councillor 1983-

1986), Mayor - Taumarunui Borough (1986-1989), Ruapehu District Council Transition Committee (Deputy Chairman), Tongariro United Council (Member), Civil Defence (Controller), taumarunui Tennis Club (Patron), Taumarunui Detached Youth Worker (Foundations Member, Past Chairman), Taumarunui Winter Show Trust (Member), Taumarunui Army Cadet Corps (Foundation Member), Taumarunui High School Swimming

Pool Trust (Advisory Member). Sports/ interests hobbies : flying/community interests. What is the function of a district mayor? To unite the Council, encouraging Council to "think district." To be an advocate of the community at regional central govt level. To be an initiator and facilitator of development of the district as a whole. ...of the council?

To recognise the overall needs of the district, set long term objectives and determine policy that will allow for achievement of objectives. To report back to residents on Council performance and review progress. Why do you feel you are competent to spend other people's money (ie rates)? By developing plans of action and objectives through ratepayer consultation a confidence is gained so

that all are aware why money is spent in certain priority areas. My experience brings that competance. What are the major issues facing the Ruapehu District? The development of a positive attitude to thinking and yet recognising differing needs. Gaining ratepayer eonfidence that reform can work to their benefit. Ensuring adequate consultation. Where do you think savings will he made as a result of this amalgamation? No financial assessment has been made. Will result in

more efficient serviees being provided. Less bureaucracy after policies have been set. A more user-friendly unit of local government will result. What are your policies for your ward? Assesment of needs of each ward by community boards and consultations with public will determine the priorities. Priorities can not be determinejjteuntil needs assesment is carried out. ...for the newm district? To considerl the assesment of ward! needs and developmentl into an overall plan -I to review methods ofl

rating and refer options to community - to enter into regular communication with the district and its components. Do you support development for the region? Yes - but this would need to be assesed against the District's o£>jectives for development. What a b out tourism development? A coordinated district approach to tourist promotion is essential before tourism

development can occur - tourism development is the responsibility of the private sector (as far as bricks & mortar is concerned). Are you a conservationist? If so, to what degree? Yes. In our District we have significant natural resources - we have a responsibility to use the resource wisely now and protect it for the use of future generations. What do you see

in the future for this new district? The opportunity for a fresh approach. "Ruapehu" - destination of outdor pursuits. "Ruapehu" - the small business centre. "Ruapehu" - a great place to live and work. "Ruapehu" - one community. Which political party (if any) do you support? I do not believe in party politics at local government level.