NEW PERSPECTIVE
I am an intelligent woman, with a growing family, a level head and a desire to seek the facts and respond with solutions. I understand the challenges families face while also respecting the needs of all generations. I am prepared to listen, research, make informed decisions and ACT. I will be a proactive voice with a positive can-do attitude.

CELEBRATING AND PROMOTING GROWTH  

Tauranga is exceeding the predicted growth rate. People are choosing Tauranga as a destination to live in. We need to sustain this growth by offering superb amenities, events, and a vibrant city heart. We cannot solely rely on the beautiful natural environment we all enjoy – Mauao and the beach.

We need effective financial management – by being fiscally prudent and creative. Who wants rates to increase?  We need to consider all the options;  sole ownership, partnership with private investors and potential additional central government funding.

We need to attract business – We need more hotels and conference venues.  We need to improve our airport facilities, providing accessibility.  Businesses need to be attracted to Tauranga. Businesses need to be supported.

We need affordable housing – Residential zoning needs to be reviewed to ensure that Tauranga can provide affordable housing for its citizens. We also need to do our best to assist those who are struggling. There shouldn’t be a ‘Homeless’ issue in Tauranga and yet there is. Innovative thinking and council support needs to be employed, bearing in mind the initiatives currently operating in the city.

We need to future proof our city –  We don’t want to be another Auckland.  We need to adjust to the significant population growth we are experiencing. Learn fast and make decisions now, not when it’s too late, placing infrastructure under pressure because what is required can’t be built, managed or maintained effectively in an efficient timeframe.

We need to eradicate traffic congestion – We do not want to suffer the consequences of road congestion. The signs are already there. We need to be proactive and I will promote advancing schedules of any roading projects, affecting Otumoetai / Bethlehem / Pyes Pa ward.

We need better public transport, including ferries – It shouldn’t take 25 mins on a bus to the CBD from Bethlehem.  Quality, affordable public transport needs to be readily available. Direct routes to the CBD need to be in operation.   Ferries between the CBD and Mount need to operate regularly.  I will also promote the use of bikes in the CBD and the Mount. Initiating a City Bike Programme like many other successful cities around the world not only encourages a healthy lifestyle for all generations to enjoy, but also is environmentally sustainable.

We need digital connectivity – I will promote digital accessibility for as many services as possible provided by the council.

TAURANGA NEEDS CULTURE

We need an attraction – Tauranga has the potential to make a grand statement by providing an attraction that all can enjoy and be proud of.  It could be a museum, celebrating our heritage locally and nationally. It could be a stadium.  It needs to be a place that people want to visit often, offering new exhibits regularly. There’s an opportunity here for us to have a Te Papa of Tauranga.

We need more cycling and walking tracks – We need to further develop the routes that have already been created around our city. We need to have these routes linked so that everywhere is accessible by more than one means of transport.

We need events –  Two games this season for the Steamers at the Domain is not enough. Tauranga needs to consider additional ways of reaching our community, providing activities for people to attend and enjoy. Significant sporting events need to become a regular feature of the events calendar both in summer and winter. Lets get creative and plan.  We want to see the All Blacks and more of the Chiefs, the Steamers and Magic.  We want to be a destination for international acts.