'No' to super council, says McGrath

Richard McGrath.

Campaigning on a philosophy of bringing new blood to a Napier City Council table which will have at least five new members is a good fit with Onekawa-Tamatea Ward candidate Richard McGrath.

He has for the past 13 years worked as a nurse for the New Zealand Blood Service, which he says has been one of the most successful blood centres in the country.

It required setting and following "very high standards and levels of service", he says, and adds: "This is the same approach I intend to bring to the council if elected."

He also spent 25 years with St John Ambulance holding various management positions.

Through the job, he has been been able to talk with many people in the community about Napier and develop a good insight into how Napier people tick.

"The feeling I get from Napier residents is that Napier is running quite well and doesn't need wholesale change, but tweaks," said Mr McGrath, who faces just one other candidate in the race for the Ward's single seat, vacated by Cr Keith Price who is seeking one of the six Council-At-Large positions.

He is adamantly against a city council amalgamation and says he will fight for the status quo - "no ifs or butts."

Tourism is another big concern for the community, and with some focus on improving Marine Parade he wants to see Napier "return to being New Zealand's number one family holiday destination".

He also says health care is an issue with Napier people, many people feeling disadvantaged at times with services being delivered at the Napier Health Centre.

Mr McGrath attended Napier Boys High School, has two boys at primary school, and is an avid sports fan.