Waimarino Ward candidates Questions

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 306, 26 September 1989, Page 10

Waimarino Ward candidates

Questions

Ellen Gould, Waimarino Ward council candidate and Waimarino Community Board candidate Occupation: Teacher Previous local government experience: Two terms Ohakune Borough Councillor. Part term Waimarino District Councillor. Previous Committee experience: Town Planning, Finance Ohakune Borough Council, Finance Waimarino District Council. Sports/ interests hobbies: Gardening, reading, music, hand crafts (knitting, sewing, etc). Winston Oliver - Waimarino Community Board candidate Occupation: Sheep, Cattle & Deer Farmer/Tourist Boat Operator. Education: Primary - Wanganui, Secondary - New Plymouth Boys High. Previous local government experience: 6 Years councillor Waimarino County Council 1980-86. Previous committee/ leadership experience: Very extensive - local community committees, Council committees. Tourism committees, School committees. Sports! interests hob-

bies: Skiing, tramping, boating, travelling. Keith Edwin Leary - Waimarino Community Board candidate Occupation: Farmer. Education: Four years boarder at Fielding Ag. H.S., UE accredited. Previous local government experience: Nil. Previous committee/leadership experience: President Hunterville Squash Club, Currently committee member of Raetihi Cosmopolitan Club (3 years) including Building & Finance sub committees. Sports/ interests hobbies: Squash,; golf, white water rafting and scuba diving. Bruce Herbert Thompson - Waimarino Community Board candidate Occupation: Electrical Inspector King Country Electric Power Board and Proprietor Ohakune & Raetihi Cinemas. Education: Ohakune & Wellington. Previous local government experience: 12 1/2 years in the Ohakune Borough Council, 11 years Deputy Mayor, 18 months Waimarino District Council Deputy Mayor.

Previous committeelleadership experience: 11 years Deputy Mayor O.B.C. & Chairman Town Planning, 18 months Waimarino District Council Deputy Mayor & Chairman Town Planning, 3rd Officer Ohakune V.F.B. Sports/interests hobbies: Skiing, boating, & following rugby, family life. William John Peach - Waimarino Ward District Council candidate Occupation: Chartered Accountant. Education: A C A (Associate Chartered Accountant). Previous local government experience: Deputy Town Clerk Raetihi and Ohakune. Member 2 year Planning Committee United Council. Previous committee/leadership experience: Chairman Wanganui Regional Development Council & member since 1979. Present President Rotary and served on many district committees. Sports/interests hobbies: Farming previously squash and T.T.

What is the function of a councillor: GOULD: Primarily to represent the people who elected them. PEACH: To represent the best interest of his electors. What is the function of a community board member: OLIVER: To represent the people in the community. To ensure that the views, concerns & priorities of the community are known and resolved satisfactory by the District Council. LEARY: To bring to the community board the concerns of the members of that community and do whatever possible to correct them. THOMPSON: To keep in touch with the people & their worries and handle as many local issues as the Ruapehu District Council deputies to us. To be available to minor matters that concern people. of the council? GOULD: To administer the District in such a way that people living in the area may enjoy a good quality of life. PEACH: To deliver essential services at the least cost to the ratepayer. of the community board? OLIVER: To deal with the local issues, roading, reserves, town planning. LEARY: The community board is the first step in the way to the top. It is the initial contact for ratepayers and the council. THOMPSON: To keep the R.D.C in touch with the matters within the Waimarino Ward. To handle matters delegated to it by the R.D.C. To be sure all persons within the ward are heard. Why do you feel you are competent to spend other people's money (ie Rates)? GOULD: No answer

given. PEACH: Background in commerce budgeting and control equips me to look after ratepayers interests. What are the major issues facing the Ruapehu District? GOULD: Firstly to form a cohesive united Council - coming to grips with the changing role of local government. PEACH: Reten-

tion & development of district services, retailing etc. Control of costs & fair share of national services. What are the major issues facing your ward? OLIVER: The effects of the rural recession and the down grading and closing of traditional community services - Post office, Hospital, bank and shops. LEARY : Maintaining and improving. necessary social services. THOMPSON: To be heard, to be represented well, to keep costs down, to spend monies wisely. Where do you think savings will be made as a result of this amalgamation? GOULD: I'm not sure there will be. PEACH: Administration should be controlled very tightly, and plant and personnel servicing district needs rationalised and maximised. What are your priorities for your ward? GOULD: To ensure the people of the Waimarino have a voice on Council and the District is not lost among other wards. PEACH: Improving quality of life for ratepayers and their families by the most cost effective delivery of amenities . OLIVER: (a) To ensure that the new District Council structure is lean and highly efficient. (b) Where possible to create an environment where farming, market gardening, forestry and tourism expand and grow. LEARY: We have to form a united body and combine the interests of the whole area. THOMPSON: To be sure R.D.C. hears us loud and clear. The review of the District planning scheme, Ohakune water. Raetihi office and post service. Rural roading.

for the new district? GOULD: To ensure the district is promoted at all levels. PEACH: same answer as question above. OLIVER: same answer as question above. LEARY: same answer as question above. THOMPSON: To combine the district, to go for ward and make progress, using out best resources and to keep costs down.

Will you be aiming to look after the interests of just your ward or the whole district? GOULD: Naturally the interests of your ward has top priority but as a Councillor I would be working in the final count for the whole district. PEACH: Will strive to look after whole district for the benefi.t of all. Do you support development of the region? GOULD: Ycs most definitely. PEACH: As chairman of W. R.D.C. I have worked for years for development of region. Do you support development for your ward? OLIVER: Ycs. We have to build on our strengths (farming, forestry, market gardening, tourism). LEARY: Yes, but only on an affordable basis. THOMPSON: Yes most definitely. The more development the more job opportunities and betterment for all. What about tourism development? GOULD: Again essential to this district. PEACH: Ycs, I was Secretary/sharcholdcr of interim company leading to today's Turoa Skifields. R.D.C. set up naturally Wanganui regional tourist body. I took active part in it. OLIVER: I have been extensively involved in the tourist industry for the past 10 years. Tourism has a large potential in the W aimarino . LEARY: This has to be encouraged. THOMPSON: Tourism is now one of our major industries and many rely on it. While it is like other industries a private enterprise it requires our encouragement and support. Are you a conservationist? If so, to what degree? GOULD: Yes within reason. PEACH: Yes but in my book people come first. OLIVER: Yes but not extreme. There has to be a balanced approach between conservation and other values. LEARY: Yes within reason. THOMPSON: Yes I am to the extent that I support all efforts to protect what we have. In Ohakune we made great efforts to enhance our parks and reserves.

What do you see in the future for this new district? GOULD: An excellent future with our potential in forestry, farming, tourism, market g ardening . PEACH: Fantastic, came to district 21 years ago as I foresaw great potential. Scen already greatly increased farming and market gardening output due to better mcthods and land development. Pulp and saw mills, supporting forestry, skifield and tourist industry development. Feel the best is yet to come. Would like to see primary produce furthcr processed in our district. OLIVER: Tourism - tremendous future. Forestry expansion with more jobs being created. Farming and market gardening - return to more profitable times with the advantage of a wet climate. LEARY: This district has great potential but it has to be remembered that it has not got the population to pay for great change. THOMPSON: The Waimarino proved amalgamation can work. The Ruapehu District can become strong with a good future. Which political party (if any) do you support? GOULD: No answer given to this question. PEACH: No answer given to this question. OLIVER: N ational. LEARY: No answer given to this question. THOMPSON: Not required in council.

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Waiouru Ward candidates

Nia Karen Carter - Waiouru Community Board candidate Occupation: Nursing Officer in the New Zealand Army. Education: 5 years secondary school with UE and Higher Leaving Certificate. Previous local government experience: Nil. Previous committee/leadership experience: I have been a member of several committees during my time in the army and am currently on the Waiouru Health Watch Committee. Sports/ interests hobbies: Swimming, horse riding, home crafts, being a mother, music both classical & pop. John McLeod - Waiouru Ward District Council candidate Occupation: Army Officer. Education: MA in

history at Massey University. Previous local government experience: three years Waiouru Community Advisory Council Member, three years Rangitikei County Council Grants Committee member. Previous committee/leadership experience: as above. Sports/ interests hobbies: Writing, walking, running, and interest in most outdoor sports, indoor bowls. William Alexander Harding Waiouru Ward District Council candidate Occupation: Farmer. Education: 2 years secondary school. Previous local government experience: 1 - term Waimarino County Council. 1 term Waimarino District Council. Previous committee/leadership experi-

ence: Waiouru Primary School council. 9 years Board of Governors Ruapehu College. Management Wanganui Rugby Football Club. President Ohakune-Kar-ioi Rugby Club. Sports/ interests hobbies: Rugby, flying for business and hobby, fishing. Gordon William Luscombe Waiouru Community Board candidate Occupation: Retired. Education: Primary School to Form II plus various Technical Courses during 12 years career as Naval Radio Telegraphist. Previous local government experience: Member of Waiouru Ratepayers Assn since 1955 at present Hon. Sec. Previous committee/leadership experience: Long term Hon.Sec., local Amateur Radio Assn, Section

Leader local Amateur Radio Emergency Corps, Senior NCO Status in 12 years Naval Service. Sports/ interests hobbies: Amateur radio - and providing communications support for any disasters or car incidents. Questions What is the function of a councillor: MCLEOD: To be accessible, listen to what the people want, represent those interests and then make decisions that are best for all people in the region. HARDING: To obtain a clear idea as to the type of service required for each area and to try to make sure each Ward gets a far deal. What is the function of a community board member? CARTER: To ensure the community board functions effectively.

LUSCOMBE: Many & varied, but princpally, I feel to always keep constituents informed of developments. of council? MCLEOD: The council's function is to formulate policy that reflects the needs of the Ruapehu community which provides best value for the rate money, and then allow the council staff to implement that policy. HARDING: T o provide planning and services taking into account the needs of the ratepayer in such a way so as the rates don't become too much of a burden. of the community board? CARTER: To ensure the community receives fair consideration from the Ruapehu District Council. LUSCOMBE: See page 5, booklet on

local body elections 1989, "Notes for Candidates". (There are too many to detail here!!) Why do you feel you are competent to spend other people's money (ie rates)? MCLEOD: I have a background in management, allocating priorities including finance, and working through problems to come up with a sensible solution. HARDING: I have had enough time on council to believe that I am competent. What are the major issues facing the Ruapehu District? MCLEOD: Establishing a community interest in what is a diverse and large region; identifying the needs of each area of the District and then design a plan to meet them. HARDING: T o amalgamate town and

country. To keep check on administration costs. What are the major issues facing your ward? CARTER: To ensure the ward receives fair representation on all issues related to the Ruapehu District Council. LUSCOMBE: To try and make a unique mixture of private and Defence Dept. interests function amicably. Where do you think savings will be made as a result of this amalg'amation? MCLEOD: There should be savings in economy of scale and the use of a wider resource base. In financial terms there will be savings in the longer term, but most savings I believe will be intangible, with a coneentr ation of policies that benefit the whole region, not just Turnpage 12

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Waiouru Ward candidates

Frompagell small localised areas. HARDING: Not sure of any short term, long term tendering for most works. What are your priorities for your ward? MCLEOD: T o develop a local government system that will integrate both military and civil community and assist the long term developemnt of Waiouru as a "normal" New Zealand town. HARDING: I will do my best to see that it is effectively represented. CARTER: No answer given to this question. LUSCOMBE: To try and make a unique mixture of private and Defence Dept. interests function amicably and to ensure present amenities are maintained and where necessary upgraded. for the new district? MCLEOD: T o develop an identity and an understanding of the diverse region, and then develop a plan that will develop the whole region in a way that reflects the aspirations and needs of the pepple in the District. HARDING: T o support the Mayor and councillors in making productive discussion for the best advantage to * the District. CARTER: No answer given to this question. LUSCOMBE: Such orderly progressive development as all exigencies permit. Will you be aiming to look after the interests of just your ward or the whole district? MCLEOD: While my focus will be in integrating the Waiouru Ward, which has had limited local Govenment representation, into the Ruapehu District, a Councillor has obviously to take into account and work for the interests of the whole district. HARDING: Both. Do you support development for the region? MCLEOD: Yes but only after identifying the needs of the District. HARDING:

Yes, planned development. CARTER: There must be development to achieve growth. LUSCOMBE: Definitely. What about tourism development? MCLEOD: Tourism

development should be coordinated within the region, and promoted as a region. HARDING: Yes, tourism that is soundly based. CARTER: No answer given to this question. LUSCOMBE: most definitely. Are you a conservationist? If so,

to what degree? MCLEOD: Yes, and our development plan for the region should take account of the considerable natural resources of the region. HARDING: Yes where ever practical. CARTER: Yes, except where it impinges on individual rights. LUSCOMBE: Yes,

and would first like to see all the dreadful dark, green pines removed and replaced by more attractive species. I strongly support the "Beautiful NZ Towns" concept. What do you see in the future for this new district? MCLEOD: I see the

chance for a stronger more coordinated region working for the best interests of the people of the region. HARDING: After two amalgamations a strong and efficient council that can unite Ruapehu town and country. CARTER: No answer given to this question. LUSCOMBE: Would

prefer to comment on this aspect after more experience with this new local govt organisation. Which political party (if any) do you support? MCLEOD: None. HARDING: National. CARTER: Nil. LUSCOMBE: I am apolitic.