Council & Accountability

People deserve a Council that is transparent, efficient, and focused on delivering real results — not just big promises (with big price tags).

Right now, too many residents feel shut out of decision-making or unsure of where their rates are actually going. Projects cost more than expected, timelines blow out, and the community often gets left wondering whether they’re being heard at all.

I will work to rebuild trust in Council by advocating for:

• Plain language reporting, so residents can easily understand how money is being spent and what they’re getting for it.
• More meaningful public consultation, with genuine listening – not box-ticking exercises after decisions are already made.
• Better oversight of major projects, including strong scrutiny of budgets and delivery timelines, so we stop repeating the same costly mistakes.
• A rating system that delivers real value, focusing investment on things that matter to the community, not vanity projects or administrative bloat.
• Publishing local-level updates, so Hornby residents can see and know exactly what’s happening in their part of the city – instead of getting suddenly surprised when the road is suddenly closed on the way to work.

We’ve seen too many examples of wasteful spending. From KiwiRail’s $30 million+ blowout at Halswell Junction Road, to overly complicated cycleway designs and public space upgrades that cost far more than they should.

At the same time, unelected staff often have more influence than elected councillors – and that’s a problem. We need to make sure decision-making power remains in the hands of those who are elected by the people – not those who sit behind closed doors or hide behind jargon no one can understand.

If elected, I will ask the hard questions, push for clearer information, and make sure Hornby gets its fair share – not just in spending, but in voice.

Local government should be local, accountable, and deliver for the people it serves.