In the next local government term, the three main things that I wish to achieve are:
The addition of the Hiwinui Forestry Block at the northeast edge of Aorangi Forest Park, to GWRC’s regional park network, opening it up for walking, biking and horse riding. This is budgeted for in 2027 and I want to ensure that investment is protected and acted on.
Continuing the investment in flood resilience in Wairarapa. Cyclone Gabrielle killed eleven people and cost 15 billion dollars so we cannot afford to be complacent. GWRC’s shovel ready projects gave us access to sixteen million dollars of government funding for flood resilience programmes in Wairarapa and we need to keep up the momentum in the face of extreme weather events.
Maintaining the budgets for pest control and supporting environment restoration groups. Almost everyone I speak to supports the vision of clean healthy rivers, streams and Wairarapa Moana and local groups are stepping up. This, along with increased pest eradication, supporting Wairarapa’s biodiversity as well as our rural, food producing economy, will help leave Wairarapa a better place for future generations.
Both Maori Ward Candidates, Andrea Rutene and Whitu Karauna, were approached by the Star for comment but neither have chosen to respond.
