Q&A: Waikato mayoral candidates

We asked the two candidates vying for the Waikato District Mayor role four set questions as part of our local body elections coverage.

Aksel Bech
60
Mediator and independent affordable housing advocate

Question 1. How should the council balance the need for infrastructure spending with concerns about rate rises?

Rates affordability is the biggest issue for our communities; rates are now unaffordable. Infrastructure for new development must not be a burden on existing rate payers -growth pays for growth- and we need to use the new funding tools becoming available to match debt repayment to life of new assets.

Question 2. How will you manage rapid growth in the district?

Council can’t control growth but it’s important to work with and be ahead of developers – enabling the key infrastructure that unlocks those opportunities, and completing the walking/cycling paths, parks, playgrounds and other public amenities that makes growing communities liveable at the same time -not years late.

Question 3: How do you see working with others in the council, especially those who don’t agree with you?

The mayor must bring all elected members together WITH our communities on the matters of shared interests and desired outcomes; that ability has been a hallmark of my life as a business owner, as a two-term councillor, and I am a qualified mediator, professionally accredited in dispute resolution.

Question 4. How transparent will your decision-making be? How important is real community engagement to you?

We need to reset council’s approach -council is the servant, not master of communities. I will introduce a public forum opportunity at the start of full Council meetings and Citizen Assemblies with empowerment of communities through greater voice, choice and control for transparency and accountability that becomes built in.

Jacqui Church
63
Incumbent mayor, Pukekohe business owner

Question 1. How should the council balance the need for infrastructure spending with concerns about rate rises?

Addressed this term in our long term plan. We’ve kept general rates well below national averages; well below our neighbours, as affordability is crucial. ‘No passion projects.’ We formed NZ’s first council-controlled organisation (CCO) and approved Waters Plan delivering scalable, affordable, environmentally friendly waters rates 2026 onwards.

Question 2. How will you manage rapid growth in the district?

With strategic business-brain, fit-for-purpose, digitalised, and re-structured council.
Housing, economic and rural strategies as 47 per cent live in the rural area. Citizens’ voices need hearing. We’ve got new road contracts(ors) after 10 years and a 3Waters CCO alleviating debt/rates affordability. Continue accessing more Government and collaborative funding partnerships.

Question 3: How do you see working with others in the council, especially those who don’t agree with you?

Robustness of viewpoints, it’s a strength of my communities; chambers and democracy. I’ve led a debating chamber culture that’s like my Franklin awarded leadership-style: respectful diligent, healthy, proven and collaborative.
Focusing on the best outcomes, with often difficult and complex issues, with the people and always for the people.

Question 4. How transparent will your decision-making be? How important is real community engagement to you?

Engagement is key. I’ve a proven community track-record of collaboration and transparency, while delivering outcomes. We’ve mainly open meetings ‘live-streamed’ and YouTube accessible, with public-excluded following legislative criteria. My ‘Trust and Confidence’ Strategy is implemented for real communication and engagement with citizens and communities. Community Boards/Committee plans to encourage collaboration and voices.