Mark Vincent’s answers
The wider environment
As a NRC Councillor, what measures would you promote to protect and promote our natural environment?
I have a particular interest in restoring the health of the Kaipara harbour, and all its tributary waterways and wetlands. This stems from my time as a KDC staff member representing that council on the IKHMG from about 2007. Since leaving the council I have formed a land care group called Otamatea HarbourCare, designed to assist landowners with planting alongside waterways and erosion-prone land in the general Maungaturoto-Paparoa area. Four things – appreciate, educate, incentivise, regulate – use all the tools in the toolbox to achieve the desired outcome.
What do you think Council should do to improve the health of our local streams, rivers, harbours and water supply?
Firstly, get the landowners to better appreciate what these features are, and the services they are providing to them and to others
This will likely require an educational programme, so they better understand the way these things are connected.
Review the incentives provided to encourage changes to land management practices, as currently provided by the NRC Environment Fund. The review should look at what other councils are doing in this regard, asking farmers what would make the most difference for them, and looking for possible external funding sources.
Fourthly, make use of the rules in the Regional Plan (currently in draft form), recognising that what was acceptable in the past will not be acceptable in the future. I look at this not just from an environmental perspective, but a market position perspective as well.
Do we need a tax on non-recyclable materials, or rules to minimise waste? YES/NO
Explain:
Haven’t thought about it
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/ NO
Yes, provided a proper business case can be made for it, taking into account all the costs and benefits, some of which may not be financial – social costs and benefits should be included.
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?
Tourism, by making the most of what we already have here, with the focus being on Auckland as the target market.
I think traditional farming activity will be the main economic driver in the region for some time yet, but we need to foster diversification to help bolster a more resilient economy.
What is your stance on GMO’s? Do you support the current precautionary approach of the district and regional councils in Northland?
Yes.
Would you be prepared to lobby Government for more assistance for regional employment and sustainable industry development? YES / NO
Yes. I may not be the most eloquent advocate for this, but there is not likely to be a better time than now in terms of the national political cycle to lobby central government for more “regional” assistance, as long as it is a united Northland approach. – all singing from the same song sheet in four part harmony!
What other ideas do you have to improve the Northland economy and wellbeing of Northlanders?
I think it is key that we have a more diversified economy, and it may be possible to divert some of the NRC’s investments into incubator programme/pilot schemes/dragon’s den programmes to give entrepreneurs the chance to test the financial viability of new ideas. This may fall within the brief of Northland Inc. I haven’t properly checked them out yet.
First though, we need to ensure that we are doing all we can (within the scope of the NRC’s role) to support existing businesses.
At the other end of the scale, here’s something that everyone can contribute – what if people smiled and said hello to strangers? We could become better known as a friendly area, and the person smiling might get paid with a smile in return and feel better about themselves. It would be good for tourism too!
Do you believe your council has a role in building and strengthening our communities? YES/ NO
If yes then how would you do so?
I do not see it as a primary role for the NRC, but it may be a consequence of having a healthier environment, a more integrated transport network and a more resilient economy that Northland’s communities would be stronger.
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 do not see this as primarily a regional council function other than dealing with resource consent issues for greenfields developments.
Should councils zone (and plan for) compact residential housing development in/near town centres? YES/ NO
That’s a district council question
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?
Before responding to this in detail I would like to better understand kanohi ki te kanohi how existing arrangements are functioning with Te Tai Tokerau Maori Advisory Committee, how effective committee members themselves consider it is working.
There is the prospect of a co-governance arrangement to be established for the Kaipara Harbour as part of a Ngati Whatua treaty settlement. It will no doubt draw on other existing models from around the country. From what I have observed from meetings of the Kaipara Harbour joint political committee, that is something I would support.
Do you have a particular project that you feel passionate about and would want to promote?
The Kaipara Harbour would be that project (see above), but it’s not just about the harbour, its more my experience of the unexpected benefits that can flow just from talking to people and exchanging ideas where there is goodwill and positive intent. This has wider application.
What local service do you feel is most important for your community and how would you promote it?
Northland Rail / Transport
YES/ NO. If YES, would you be prepared to join a delegation to Parliament on the matter YES/ NO
Comment to explain position:
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Comment to explain position:
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Comment to explain position:
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Comment to explain position:
Here’s my view on the future of rail: we need to have a Regional Land Transport Plan which takes an integrated approach for all modes of transport to work out what is the most efficient mode of transport for any given purpose when viewed from the regional, if not the national perspective, taking into account all the costs and benefits and any negative externalities. I think the current 2015-21 plan is not at all ambitious in that regard, and does little more than pay lip service to rail.
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
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
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?
NO ANSWERS IN THAT SECTION