Eight candidates vying for Invercargill’s top job went head-to-head at a Southland Business Chamber debate last night, fielding questions on council amalgamation, water reforms, spending priorities and ratepayer affordability.
The debate mixed light-hearted moments – including a “chicken of shame” given to anyone who spoke over time – with serious discussion on how the city should be governed.
Candidate Views
Alex Crackett, a sitting councillor, said her focus was on getting the basics right and reducing financial strain on residents.
“I’ve heard from pensioners who are having to choose between buying a loaf of bread or paying for their rates. This is not the Invercargill that we should accept. We need steady, experienced hands on the basics – the roads, water, waste – because our strong foundations give us room to dream bigger.”
Tom Campbell, the current deputy mayor, backed past investment projects for revitalising the city but said the priority now was to ease pressure on ratepayers.
“The new building phase has to be over. There are infrastructure projects to do, but that has to be it for capital works funded by ratepayers.”
Andrew Clarke, brother of outgoing mayor Nobby Clarke, faced questions over also running for mayor in Tasman, where he lives. He said Invercargill needed disciplined spending and urgent action on water supply.
“Without hesitation as your new mayor, I would find an alternative water supply as a priority for Invercargill. You are completely solely dependent on the river. In the event of an earthquake or severe drought, there would be real problems in the community.”
Ian Pottinger, a councillor, said he wanted to be accessible to residents and proposed giving mana whenua representatives greater voting powers.
“I would give each committee delegated authority. They made the decision. It stands. OK, and then their vote has purpose. I do like the way it is now with both the reps. I think it works great.”
Ria Bond, councillor and former MP, said she wanted the council to stick to core services and avoid costly projects.
“I know the frustration when councils choose vanity projects or short-term wins that leave ratepayers paying the price for decades. As mayor, my focus will be clear and it will be disciplined.”
Tom Morton rejected council amalgamation, arguing the city needed to remain focused on its own issues.
“Just to save money is not a good reason. We need to keep Invercargill for Invercargill and worry about what’s happening in Invercargill.”
Morton spoke well over time and ended up with the debate’s “chicken of shame.”
Stevie Chernyshov criticised the council for spending too much with outside firms and pitched himself as a challenger to the current system.
“If you want a personality for Invercargill City, if you want somebody who’s going to smile and challenge the system that is currently in place, I’m here to tell you that what we need to do is build a localised and enterprising southern New Zealand.”
Gordon McCrone, who has posted conspiracy theories online, was barred from taking part in the debate.
Changing of the Guard
Current mayor Nobby Clarke, who is stepping down, watched from the audience instead of on stage. His departure guarantees a new mayor will be elected when voters go to the polls in October.