A few years ago, our house nearly flooded in a heavy storm. We were lucky: our neighbours weren’t.
No matter how hard we help each other in our communities, we also need a Council that steps up.
It shouldn’t depend on fate who gets looked after. We need a city that thrives for everyone.
That’s why I put my hand up. Over the past three years, I’ve worked to make sure:
- Council meetings are more open to scrutiny;
- Wetlands in Bothamley Park are being restored;
- Grants and new waste sites are backing local solutions to reduce landfill;
- A new library is underway in eastern Porirua;
- Sewage discharges are being reduced through upgrades to our network;
- And we now have a Water Charter to protect you from the tap to the drain and beyond.
I can’t say I’ve won every battle so far but I know that no matter what, I never leave that room without providing a voice for those who don’t get to be heard: your hopes, your challenges and the consequences of our decisions.
So we’ve made progress, but things have to work better and feel fairer. We need leadership that shows up, speaks up, and builds support around the table to get results, on things like:
- Making sure the Water Charter is honoured;
- Easing the pressure on long-term ratepayers;
- Fixing how recycling and rubbish works at your whare;
- Building a council and city that reflects the people of Porirua today;
- Improving rules to train and hire local;
- And fighting alongside a united Labour team with our MP for Mana Barbara Edmonds, for decent, healthy social housing.
I want to keep going in Onepoto because I believe in a Porirua that is fair and focussed on moving forward.
With your support, we can do it.