More govt funding ‘top priority’ for Robinson

BACK FOR ANOTHER CRACK: Tony Robinson has learned a lot as a first-term councillor and says his skills will be even more valuable if he is voted in for a second term. Picture supplied

Significant impending reforms, a new-look council and a love for Tairāwhiti has encouraged first-term councillor Tony Robinson to stand again in October's local body elections.

“This next term will see greater reform changes from central government with ever-increasing implications for our people and businesses,” he says.

“In my first term I was able to use my legal experience and professional skills to drill down into the many issues that confront council and I believe my skills will be even more valuable over the next three years.

“Council has a crucial role in ensuring funding aligns with local priorities and that projects are completed in a timely fashion.

“One of our jobs as councillors is to continue to examine the spending lines and to ensure they met the needs of our communities.

“It is a constant challenge and there is a healthy tension because there is never enough money to pay for everything without double digit rate rises.

“Over the last three years the council has helped Tairāwhiti secure an incredible amount of government funding for roading, Covid response, employment and the Kiwa Pools.

“I have been monitoring that spend and keeping the pressure on to get the money spent, especially on our roads.

“With more than $100 million in additional funding still not being enough, it is clear we need to reset the funding formula used by central government and that will be a top priority for me in the next term.

“The increasing cost of living and doing business here is a major concern. I'm committed to ensuring that the council not only extracts the best value for money but enables people to get on with their business as easily as possible.

“I love Tairāwhiti — our amazing people, our diverse cultures and communities, our stunning landscapes, our way of life and the values that make our region so special.

“I would be privileged to continue serving on the council.”

Mr Robinson is standing in the General ward.