Vinsen wants another term

Rob Vinsen is seeking re-election to the Whanganui District Council.

Whanganui District councillor Rob Vinsen is backing his experience and his involvement in projects around the city to get him re-elected this October.

Mr Vinsen, who was elected to council in 2008, has announced his desire for another term.

In the past the Whanganui businessman has served as chairman of the finance and strategy committee and as a director of the council's asset company Whanganui Holdings Ltd.

In his first full term he was involved with the establishment of the $700,000 Resource Recovery Centre in Maria Place without using ratepayer funds, helping identify a 5 per cent reduction in council costs and a $16.5m reduction in debt through the sale of Energy Direct.

But in the past term Mr Vinsen's focus has shifted to the wastewater treatment plant and is an advocate of looking at using the old plant again.

"For this next term the ratepayer is going to need someone in their corner," he said.

"Rates are planned to increase 15.2 per cent over the next three years if the currently designed $41.2million Wastewater Plant is built and debt is programmed to reach $130million, up from the current $76million.

"This must not happen. Now that the Talley Group, 65 per cent of the organic load on the plant, have advised that they have withdrawn from the scheme I believe council must revisit salvaging the old plant."

Mr Vinsen said he was "fighting for the ratepayer" when it came to his council work.

"I identified over $1m in (the 2015/16 year) and $500,000 in (the 2016/17 year) of potential savings and advocated for this during the rate setting process," he said.

He said his experience in council and resource management would be vital on the new council.

"My focus in the next term if I am re-elected will be to use my experience in council process to continue to advocate for lowering the cost of council and to support policies that increase the rating base."

Mr Vinsen pointed to projects such as a marine precinct at the port and the establishment of the Commercial Pilot Training Academy at the Airport as opportunities for the city.

"Through Whanganui Holdings and my business background I am involved in projects that will give Whanganui a better future," Mr Vinsen said.

"This flying school, currently Feilding based, will relocate to Whanganui in February bringing 50 international students and staff to Whanganui.

Mr Vinsen said as chair of the Waste Minimisation Committee and trustee of the Resource Recovery Centre the establishment of satellite drop off centres in suburban Whanganui was a key goal.

"These projects will bring new jobs and new investment. That's what Whanganui needs right now."