Will you be standing again?  
Yes, I will be standing again for 1 more term.

Why or why not?
I reason for standing for council, is to try and ensure we have good governance, and the right decisions are made on behalf of our local population

How long have you already been involved exactly?
I have served for 3 terms so far. This will be my 4th and last term.

What are you most proud of/achievements in the time you have been a councillor?

*some of the many things I’ve supported during my time on council:

  • Cessation of the captive bolt being used in the euthanising of unclaimed and dangerous dogs at the Invercargill City Council dog facility.
  • The Recycling in Invercargill still being done in conjunction with Southland Disabilities.
  • A new museum well underway to replace our old, closed Museum (some would arguably think shouldn’t have been closed at all).

The tuatara having a new facility within Queens Park.

  • The new City Centre block open and running well. 

This facility in conjunction with private investors has completely changed Invercargill for the better.

It’s an awesome place to avoid weather issues.

  • The new Private Distinction Hotel being enabled and built, and the revamping of Wachner Place to assist with bus access.
  • Seeing The Langlands enabled and built and currently being operated well by The ILT. (It’s helped change the downtown look and feel of Invercargill).
  • Finally seeing the new boat ramp built at Bluff.
  • Good relationships between senior staff and Councillors.
  • Seeing the Coopers Creek residents having certainty and a decent long term lease in place. (not to say that hopefully this will be even extended further in years to come).
  • Having The City Council fully committed to retaining and improving our pensioner housing stock.

There are so many things going on all the time. 

What advice do you have for any new candidates standing?

Don’t forget why your on Council and who you represent.

What do you see are the pressing issues in the city that that you are particularly passionate about?

I want to see Invercargill continuing to develop. 

We have many exciting industrial things coming up, on the horizon, that will provide great jobs and good incomes for our population.

This will provide the trades etc, excellent prospects going forward.

The more ratepayers to share the rates burden, the better. (we need to do all we can to see rates kept as low and affordable as possible) 

We represent all ratepayers at all times.

We need to see some redevelopment happen to some of our older inner city buildings.

H & J Smiths old premises. Great site for development.

Old Farmers building occupied.

The old burnt building on the corner of Spey and Dee, hopefully redeveloped with the façade retained.

SIT taking over it’s own responsibility for it’s future should see more students attending and especially more from abroad, thus providing valuable income into the community.

Exciting times.

I believe Council should assist where it can, to help where it can, to help people wanting to do things in Invercargill…..

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