Tom Belford says HBRC is on the right track regarding environmental issues, as he puts his hand up to stand for re-election. Photo / Supplied
Tom Belford says HBRC is on the right track regarding environmental issues, as he puts his hand up to stand for re-election. Photo / Supplied
Former Hawke's Bay Regional Council representative Tom Belford has put his hand up for the vacant spot on the council.
Belford said he wouldn't require "training wheels" to make an informed contribution to the regional council's pressing work on "day one".
"I care deeply that the HBRC's current core missionis to protect and enhance our environment," he said.
"Only with our environment well-protected can we be assured that growth of opportunity in our region will be responsible and sustainable. Both for ourselves today and, looking to our legacy, for our children and grandchildren.
"The HBRC is presently steering a proper course – it puts the environment first, but in a balanced manner. I don't want to see that direction compromised and so I feel strongly that the seat should be filled by a candidate of proven commitment to the environment.
Belford said that being a regional councillor for two terms in the past gave him a wealth of experience, which someone fresh to the council wouldn't have.
"With a byelection like this it's really hard to tell who might appear," he said.
"I know where the bodies are buried, and short-term it would be good to have someone who doesn't have to learn on the job."
He said the council was working through some "terribly, complicated issues, with lots of moving parts", and if elected, he intended to stay on the same course.
"Water is the main issue - with the proposed TANK Plan Change to manage water quality and quantity," he said.
"Climate is the other big issue - we are an agricultural-led economy. Climate change will impact what we grown, how we grow it.
"Transport is another issue, and the current debate is about EVs. I am a great believer in moving towards electric vehicles and working on the infrastructure for EVs.
"We also have an enormous amount of wood-waste and it would be worth looking at converting them into fuel."
He said a lot of work had already been done - "quiet drudge work".
"It's a short-term and I have the experience to keep the regional council on the same path."
