Answers for Adrian Bonner
The wider environment
As a Councillor, what measures would you promote to protect and promote our natural environment?
I believe that a strong sustainable environmental stance is crucial. Promotion can take many forms including consultation and etc.
What do you think Council should do to improve the health of our local streams, rivers, harbours and water supply?
My policy is that no wastewater should be discharged into the Kaipara Harbour; I believe the policy of fencing streams etc should be brought forward and done in conjunction with planned, sustainable planting which will purify the waterways; I believe the Kaipara district needs to establish an inviolable Green Belt between itself and the ever increasing Auckland boundary.
Do we need a tax on non-recyclable materials, or rules to minimise waste? NO
Explain: I believe more education is needed, plus consumer power in not purchasing products packed in undesirable containers; working with supermarkets to lobby for environmentally safe solutions.
Employment and Economy
Do you support the creation of a green industry hub/ green technology development in Whangarei/ Dargaville / Kerikeri / Kaikohe / Kaitaia (circle the town that applies)? YES
Do you consider that it is your role to promote regional development of sustainable industries, e.g. horticulture? YES
What industries do you consider require promotion in the district/ region?
More tourism, which is promoted as being sustainable and environment friendly.
What is your stance on GMO’s? Do you support the current precautionary approach of the district and regional councils in Northland? I believe Councils need to be better informed and perhaps after time, regulations should be strengthened.
Would you be prepared to lobby Government for more assistance for regional employment and sustainable industry development? YES
What other ideas do you have to improve the Northland economy and wellbeing of Northlanders?
Continued and increased use of rail; I believe we need to concentrate on the retirement needs of our elderly, some of whom have to move away entirely from the district they have lived in for many many years.
Do you believe your council has a role in building and strengthening our communities? YES
If yes then how would you do so? Consultation!
Housing and Town Planning
What actions should council take to help ensure a healthy and affordable home is available for all people in our community? I believe council could hold a larger pool of rentals, available for those most in need; Council could reduce or drop standard consent charges for the subdividing of land and the building of low cost housing.
Should councils zone (and plan for) compact residential housing development in/near town centres? YES. This already happens.
General
How do you think council’s relationship with mana whenua can be improved and what opportunities do you think there are to strengthen the partnership? I believe that all New Zealander’s are people of the land and recognition of this will only strengthen relationships.
Do you have a particular project that you feel passionate about and would want to promote?
My most passionate project is meeting the needs of our elderly; currently in the Kaipara there are very few choices available for safe retirement. I believe we need to address this option immediately, by several different strategies. There is ample council owned land to build retirement facilities and a range of option for funding these.
What local service do you feel is most important for your community and how would you promote it?
Our bus service. Promotion should be via all community groups; facebook pages; RSA’s etc.
Northland Rail / Transport
YES/ NO. If YES, would you be prepared to join a delegation to Parliament on the matter YES
Comment to explain position:
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Comment to explain position: this is outside my district of Kaipara but it remains of interest.
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Comment to explain position:
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Comment to explain position:
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If you support increased expenditure on rail in Northland, how should this be funded? Options (tick as many as you like)
By injection of capital funding from Government, to create a strategic asset for Northland
By NZ Transport Agency being required to include funding of rail, sea and roading and prioritising expenditure equitably
Yes! By public-private partnerships (PPPs)
By making truck road user charges more fairly represent actual costs of building and maintaining roads in NZ
By any combination of the above - explain
What would you do to improve public transport and make it more accessible, and make it easier to cycle and walk if elected?
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Climate Change
Should local and regional councils incorporate land use planning principles to take account of expected sea level rise? (A recent report puts 1100 additional Northland properties at risk, new total > 3000)? YES/ NO
This is already being done.
If YES, should this include planning for 100 year life of all new buildings to accommodate sea level rise (eg new Hundertwasser centre) YES/ NO
What will you do on council to help reduce the effects of climate change and help our communities adapt to a more unstable climate?
I believe a strong Civil Defence is the best aid we can have.
[Kaipara only]
In your opinion how do you see the future of Eco Care- Mangawhai’s waste water scheme?
I do not see it is viable in the medium to long term. Rates are already tipped to rise 4.5%. The pot has no more room.