Re-run of mayoral stoush looms

BY BRONWYN TORRIE

The gloves are off in Horowhenua, with arch rivals Anne Hunt and Brendon Duffy entering the ring for a second mayoralty bout. But they face tough competition, with three new contenders throwing their hats into the mayoral race.

Foxton's Mrs Hunt, who was pipped at the post by just 400 votes in the last election, is a champion for the environment and isn't afraid of speaking out against the status quo.

But will she be able to knock out the incumbent mayor, who has sat in the hotseat since 2004?

Only time will tell, but she believes the district is ready for a new regime.

"Horowhenua is at a pivotal phase of development.

"It needs a major change in leadership style and clear direction to reach its full potential as a sustainable and exciting place to live," she says.

If elected she intends to act on major environmental issues, including cleaning up the Manawatu River and restoring Lake Horowhenua.

"But the most important issue that the incoming council will have to tackle is economic development, to create jobs for the district's young people so that there is incentive for them to remain in the district," she says.

The district has an ageing population, with a median age of 42, compared with 35 nationally.

Mrs Hunt, 58, who has served as a councillor for the past six years representing the Kere Kere ward, saying wastewater and drinking water projects need to be at the top of the incoming council's list.

Mr Duffy agrees, saying he will focus on resolving the water supply and wastewater disposal systems across the district.

But this is where the similarities end between the opponents.

Instead of environmental issues, Mr Duffy says the spotlight needs to be on negotiating the best possible health services for ratepayers.

"My opponents seem to be focused on fringe issues and that is the difference between us. We have challenging health issues, our commercial and agricultural sector have had a tough time and our social issues demand enormous resource," he said.

Mr Duffy, a keen cyclist, says he is fighting fit and raring to build on his solid six-year performance. The momentum must continue.

"It is critical that we continue to drive the vision of the council and I want to continue to ensure a strong positive focus that delivers real results. We can't afford to spend for spending's sake. Our cautious approach reflects the very real challenge this district has around affordability."

Turning to the fresh faces in the ring:

Diane Brown, 65, might be the oldest candidate, but certainly has the experience in campaigning and serving the people.

Being told to throw in the towel before the first bell rung has only made her more determined: "One of the candidates actually told me that I didn't have a chance and it was a good idea to withdraw my nomination, which made me laugh, really."

She served as a councillor in the district during the 1990s and is pleased to see 10 woman jostling for leadership roles in the traditionally male-dominated realm of local government.

If elected, Mrs Brown – who is a trained mediator, and runs a farmstay – plans to set a budget and stick to it. "This would be council's top priority, along with concentrating on core activities such as infrastructure. This includes clean classified drinking water, managing wastewater correctly, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment to live in."

At the opposite end of the age spectrum is 26-year-old Tyler Moyes, who wants to make the people of Horowhenua proud of their patch.

The business-minded quantitative stock broker is focusing on revitalising local economies, which have suffered a series of blows during the downturn.

The answer lies in revitalising Horowhenua as a centre for industry, but not at the expense of the environment, he says.

"By focusing our resources on this for the short-term, we can then use the funds gained from this rebuilding to fund other projects benefiting the community."

Implementing district-wide eco-friendly practices is also a high priority for Mr Moyes.

Then there is pharmacist Neville Gimblett, 54, who is sick of the old regime bumping up rates.

"This election is about putting more money in the ratepayers' pocket over time. Council has two ways of influencing this – by limiting the increase in rates to less than the rate of inflation, and by encouraging job creation through limiting the costs of consents and compliance on the business sector."

He wants to see empty shops in both Levin and Foxton utilised to create jobs.

"Getting small businesses started should be a priority, because that is where the bulk of our employment comes from."

Mr Gimblett, who is on the Foxton Community Board, says the council needs to start working more with its neighbours before amalgamation is forced upon them.

Water quality is also at the top of his list of things to address.

"Water quality of the Manawatu River, Lake Horowhenua, and Foxton River Loop, are the major talking points among the public, but improvement in these is dependent on sewer and stormwater upgrades in Shannon, Levin, and Foxton, along with co-operative efforts with other territorial authorities over the Manawatu River."

ABOUT THE DISTRICT COUNCIL

The Horowhenua District Council has been much the same for the past six years, with only three new councillors being elected in 2007.

However, with 16 new faces in the mix, a reshuffle could be on the cards.

All current councillors have put their names forward for another term, but only 10 of the 24 candidates will be chosen on a ward basis.

Anne Hunt and David Allen are being challenged for the two spots in the Kere Kere ward by newcomers Bryan Ten Have, Ernie Crombie, and Foxton Community Board member Ngaire Ellwood. Robbie Shaw is battling newcomer Stu Smith for the single Miranui ward seat.

There are 12 people vying for the five Levin ward seats. Councillors Barry Judd (current deputy mayor), Garry Good, Tony Rush, and Leigh Griffen- McMeekan are being challenged by Doug Mercer, David Green, Victoria Kaye-Simmons, Paul Pearce, Malcolm King, Tyler Moyes, Graeme Galley, and Kathy Spiers.

Waiopehu ward councillors Nathan Murray and Peter Keenan are up against Michelle Raill, Diane Brown, and Chris Dungan.

Five people will be chosen to sit on the Foxton Community Board.

- © Fairfax NZ News