By TONY GEE
Growth in greater Whangarei - and how to plan for it - surfaces as a common theme among the three contenders for the district's mayoral job.
As the "capital" of Northland, Whangarei has sound prospects for economic growth and expanded employment through tourism, marine-based industry, forestry, port development
and diverse businesses, backed by a prospering farming sector.
Independent mayoral incumbent, 54-year-old Craig Brown, from Ruakaka, seeks his second term in the top job after nine years on the council.
He wants to see long-term planning implemented for urgently needed services and says rail and roading, in terms of infrastructural needs, head the list.
There's a need for positive promotion and marketing of the district to attract growth across the board, Mr Brown believes. He is calling for a coordinated approach by local authorities, industry, commerce and educational bodies to provide jobs.
Managing director Calvin Green, 53, representing People First-Green, emphasises local decision-making by and for citizens in local communities.
He will promote initiatives to buy locally, develop small businesses, reduce waste, promote recycling, expand the public transport system, access to arts and sports facilities, and encourage community participation in major planning processes.
Mr Green, a former senior council manager, is also standing for election as a Coastal Ward councillor.
Mata dairy farmer and Bream Bay Ward councillor Phil Halse, 51, believes Whangarei needs a leader to lift the esteem of residents. He has nine years on the council behind him - six of them chairing the district's works, services and spending committee.
To be able to compete nationally for economic growth, employment and tourism, the district needs a mayor who creates an atmosphere encouraging councillors and staff to face their responsibilities and put the council on a more professional footing, he says.
"Issues are only problems to be solved and I like to face them head on, make a decision and get on with business," says Mr Halse, who was chairman of the Northland Rugby Union for seven years.
Lurking in the wings are issues such as the proposed 19km rail link from Oakleigh, south of the city, to Marsden Point's deep water port.
The branch line is needed - say business interests and many in the community - to relieve pressure on roads from freight and logging trucks heading to the port when it goes into operation next year.
Log traffic is expected to quadruple within the next five years.
Preservation of green space at Kensington Park is favoured by some who oppose an athletics plan, already approved in principle by the council, to build an all-weather track and stadium at the park.
Twenty-eight candidates seek 13 council seats in six wards - Bream Bay (three candidates, 2 seats); Coastal (four candidates, 2 seats); Denby (six candidates, 3 seats); Hikurangi (three candidates, 1 seat); Maungakahia/Maungatapere (two candidates, 1 seat), and Okara (10 candidates, 4 seats).
Feature: Local body elections 2001
www.localgovt.co.nz
By TONY GEE
Growth in greater Whangarei - and how to plan for it - surfaces as a common theme among the three contenders for the district's mayoral job.
As the "capital" of Northland, Whangarei has sound prospects for economic growth and expanded employment through tourism, marine-based industry, forestry, port development
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.