|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Noel Smith is standing in the Waikato Constituency of the Waikato Regional Council, which mirrors the area covered by the Waikato District Council, including the northern communities of Aka Aka, Tuakau and Pokeno.
The Waikato Regional Council needs experience, leadership and councillors who already
know their way around local government. That’s why I’m asking for your vote.
My commitment is to represent your interests, not those of the council. I consistently
advocate for fairness and integrity, and I am prepared to ask challenging questions and hold people accountable.
I bring three years’ experience as your Regional Councillor and 15 years of prior experience as a Waikato District Councillor. I have a sound understanding of the region’s challenges and the experience to meet them head-on.
While currently on a number of Regional Council Committees, I’ve also been on committees
including Drainage and Rivers (30 yrs), Public Transport and Regional Civil Defence. I have
gained an extensive understanding of the District and the Region and served as an RMA
Commissioner.
The issue of rates is to the forefront currently. I have always advocated for reduced rate
increases. A recent example of my stand on this was when the region proposed taking over
the rating of regional bus services.
The original proposal had landowners within 800m of a bus route paying over $2000 per
annum in public transport rates. I immediately contacted all district councillors, community
board and community committee members and advised them of the proposal.
Thankfully, the community submitted opposing the proposal and the proposal was abandoned.
A proposed new rate this year was supported and will cost ratepayers of the Waikato District $400,000 less than last year. I am strongly supportive of balanced and fair rates.
Work remains to reduce rate increases and improve efficiencies.
I am a farmer in Te Kowhai, a Justice of the Peace, a former director, and have extensive
council experience and strong community support.
I seek your continued support, as coming unprecedented legislative changes will
make experience vital for success.
