Motor man in gear to be mayor

Motorsport champion and Manukau mayoral candidate Paul Pavletich sees his lack of council experience as a huge positive.

If elected mayor he wouldn't come to the role with any baggage or preconceptions, he says.

He wants the mayoralty because he's positive he can make a difference.

"I think the whole district needs some really positive reinforcement and some leadership.

"I want to raise people's spirits in Manukau - there's a lot of negative stigma which really bothers me."

Mr Pavletich is chief executive of Motorcycling New Zealand, the sport's governing body in this country, but he would relinquish the role if elected mayor.

His motorsport success includes a national motor- cycle road race and Wynns International Formula 2 Series wins as well as multiple Auckland saloon car titles.

Mr Pavletich says he knows Manukau inside out.

"I have lived most of my life in Papatoetoe and Papakura."

The 48-year-old Aorere College old boy comes from 'a modest family in Papatoetoe on the border of Mangere'.

"So I know what it is like to only have just enough."

But senior management roles in businesses ranging from small enterprises to large companies as well as voluntary work have given him what he calls 'a wealth of transferable skills and acumen'.

He proposes establishing a business-type arm of the council to generate income from running frequent events like concerts, motorsport, marathons and Pacific festivals.

The income could subsidise the elderly battling to pay their rates, he says.

As mayor, Mr Pavletich would lobby strongly for wider criteria so more retired people could benefit from the government's rates rebate scheme.

He says the philosophy of constant improvement that is practised in motorsport could also be applied to the council.

"As Manukau's leader, I would ensure skilful council staff and elected members perform to their peak."

Rates should rise no more than the cost of living for three years and be reviewed for ways to reduce them.

He prefers that Manukau hang on to its airport shares and doesn't want the city swallowed up into a greater Auckland.

In the east of the city, transport and roading are the biggest issues so a thorough traffic management plan is needed and public transport needs to be reviewed.

In the west, giving direction to youth is the top priority.

"I believe sport, music and church are positive alternatives."

Mr Pavletich now lives in Ararimu and is upfront about having 'very strong Christian beliefs'.

He wants church communities to get more involved, helping people in their neighbourhoods.

"We just have to get that community spirit going."

But taggers will be going straight to jail if Mr Pavle-tich has his way.

"Graffiti infuriates me. As far as I am concerned, lock them up. It's absolute vandalism. I'm really hard line on it."

He wants boy racers encouraged to get involved in more organised motorsport events so their 'passion for speed' can be harnessed in a safe and controlled environment. But repeat offenders would get short shift.

- © Fairfax NZ News