Baker-Hogan sees work to be done

WORK IN PROGRESS: Philippa Baker-Hogan has recommitted to council and the health board. PHOTO/ Stuart Munro

Current Whanganui district councillor and district health board member Philippa Baker-Hogan has committed to serving on both bodies for another three years announcing her candidacy yesterday.

Mrs Baker-Hogan said the community needed people with skills, experience and courage and I possess a good dose of all those vital qualities".

"I will never shy from standing up for what I believe is right, regardless of the personal ramifications," she said.

She said the current council had "closed its ears" to the myriad of issues surrounding the wastewater treatment plant "which I've never fully supported".

She said the new council must ensure the inquiry into the failed plant fully explores the technical issues surrounding the old plant, to decide if it is salvageable, prior to proceeding with a $41.2 million plant.

Mrs Baker-Hogan said she had been pro-active in the sport and recreation area, leading the council's sport and recreation strategy development, River Sports Hub and the covered velodrome proposal as well as chairing the NZ Masters Games and establishing and chairing the Future Champions Trust.

"Sport and recreation opportunities are not getting the kudos they deserve with the current council and the time is right to address that.

"I battled for the establishment of the UCOL/council taskforce, which has been instrumental in recommitting to key tertiary arts and other course at a revamped Whanganui campus. I'm also very committed to improving community safety issues and led the charge in the last three years to get "legal highs" banned from sale and support anti-smoking and alcohol policy measures that protect our young and vulnerable."

Mrs Baker-Hogan said as the largest employer in the district, the district health board was crucial in growing Whanganui's reputation as a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

"I've worked tirelessly over a decade to improve our clinical and financial viability and fought for core secondary services, while also supporting smart ways to improve the overall health statistics of our communities.

"It's important strong, experienced governors, who have worked in your hospital as a radiographer like me, continue to represent you."

She said had made Whanganui her home 25 years ago, initially to complete rowing career, but had since married and raised a family and was also a co-owner and manager a business.

"I've had many approaches to stand for mayor but with business and family commitments my best placed commitment is once again at the council and health board table," she said.