Onepoto General Ward
Porirua has always been home. I was raised and educated in the East, and Christine and I raised our family in Tītahi Bay. We’re now four generations deep in this city – and I want Porirua to be a place that supports people at every stage of life, no matter their income or background.
Serving on Council has been a privilege – and sometimes a challenge! You learn fast that keeping a city running isn’t simple. There are always competing priorities: maintaining roads and community spaces, dealing with flooding and slips, planning for growth, creating jobs, and reducing waste – all while trying to keep costs fair for ratepayers.
But the truth is, we can’t keep doing things the same way. The funding system for local government is broken. The pressures on councils and their communities, many of them long-standing, are growing. Unless we make smart, future-focused decisions, we risk falling behind.
I’m not interested in finger-pointing or sugar-coating. Things must change, but we also need stability and experience around the table to navigate what’s coming, especially with water reforms, infrastructure costs, and a changing climate.
This time next year water assets or costs won’t be on the council’s books. Forget what promises you hear this election on water, the best decision has been made to improve our assets and the health of our harbour.
Despite the noise online, I’ve stayed focused on the work. I don’t mind tough calls, I just want our city to be better for our kids and grandkids.
I’m asking for people’s support so I can keep serving Porirua with perspective, experience, and commitment to practical progress. Kia kaha.