Vote Castlecliff
Question 5: Candidate Response
What Our Candidates are Telling Us.
Question 5: The Castlecliff community have ideas and projects they undertake or promote to better their community. How would you support these efforts as a potential Local Government community representative?
James Newell: Yes I would support local initiatives.
Charlotte Melser: As a new candidate, it is difficult to answer without knowing what is in or out of my jurisdiction in that role. However, I can say that I have personally been very well supported by council departments and Whanganui and Partners in the past with Castlecliff projects, business and events. I could certainly give guidance and support around processes, audience reach and connect people to the right departments. I have always and will continue to support Castlecliff-based initiatives.
Jenny Duncan: Firstly I would strongly express my appreciation. The hundreds of hours gifted to our community by some of our people is just amazing. I would encourage and support funding of projects that have gone through due process, if large, or simple process if small.
Rob Vinsen: It is the projects that are led by and sponsored by the community that transmit into reality. I would welcome any community-led initiative.
Julian Bailey (Rural Community Board - Kaitoke subdivision): On their merrits and benefits to the community.
Rory Smith: It makes things pretty easy to get in behind projects when they have the energy backing them that Castlecliff has. It’s about showing up when asked to and maintaining that habit and it’s about recognizing the community buy-in when some of these items are passing through the Council decision-making process.
Alan Taylor - Horizons-Whanganui Constituency: This is very much a Whanganui District Council matter, not Horizons, except to continue to support such initiatives where Horizons has a responsibility, such as The Coastal Action Plan (through its role in acknowledging the Government Coastal Policy Statement) and Port Development.
Glenda Brown: I would be interested to learn about the plan, reasons for it and the perceived benefits to the community. I can advocate for funding if appropriate and advocate to the community with promotion, support the events with attending where possible.
Scott Phillips: I would make sure I engage with the various community groups (as with other areas of town also) and do what I can to make sure their voice is heard. I would get out into the community and listen.
Daniel (DC) Harding: Information, information, information. I would work hard to promote events and projects that are undertaken by the community. As someone who grew up developing and planning community events, I understand first hand the work that goes into the delivery of such. I would also continue to participate where I can and drum up support through funding avenues. Castlecliff has been my home for the most part of my life – it deserves everyone's attention.
Ross Fallen: Currently you have one designated councillor and another supporting that role. I believe that arrangement works well but I would seek the councillors’ input as to what role I could play. As I have a background in community activation then maybe a designated project eg Improving the Seafront Road Reserve frustrations. Maybe a project on nature-based enhancements on the approaches to Mill Point road from Castlecliff, maybe greater recognition with iwi and hapu of Kupe’s landing. Cross Street enhancements also. I work best with a task.
David Cotton - Horizons, Whanganui Constituency: This is WDC matter. I am a strong supporter of communities taking a lead on issues and services that are of importance to them. The important role of a councillor is to support these groups including helping them navigate annual plans and long-term plans to secure funding.
Andrew Tripe: As mayor, I represent ALL our people, so would involve myself in appropriate support – whether hands-on or governance.
Kate Joblin: Always listen respectfully with an open mind to ideas and suggestions coming from the community.
Helen Craig: I attend as many of the public consultation events as possible, in order to gain a better understanding of what is being discussed, proposed and the desires of the community. I am happy to vote for a budget for these initiatives within good decision-making principles as always.
Roy Brown: If the ideas and projects meet a real need and provide effective solutions and are the will of the community (people) then I would passionately support these and do whatever I can to promote and better the community as a whole.
Blair Jones: I would put my name up to gain support for endeavours as I was a youth worker, I’m big on the idea of visitors having a good time. I have often talked about how close we are to the coast. Support safe concerns whilst maintaining its rustic nature, perhaps upgrade community gardens or plots for all Whanganites if they need them.
Rodd Trott: By ensuring WDC's Capability to support community consultation needs. To ensure partnerships that work (eg the recent Port project – Community business, District/Regional/Central Government)
Michael Law: I am a believer in community run and led initiatives that are supported both financially and logistically with council. We are all working together for a greater Whanganui, it should not feel like an uphill battle trying to help our communities.
Charlie Anderson: I fully support any projects put forward, but I need people smarter than me to put ideas in front of me. Rangiora street is a classic, I would never have visualised how great that could be. AMAZING.
Philippa Baker-Hogan: Do my best to support and attend events, promote Castlecliff as a vibrant beach superb and consider any formal requests for assistance of any kind:
Dan Jackson: I’d work with members of the community to further ideas and help secure any funding for them. I’d also act as a link between the community and council to make sure good ideas come to fruition.
Phillip (Bear) Rewiti: Get in behind these initiatives 100%.
Allan Wrigglesworth - Horizons, Whanganui Constituency: I would bring these ideas to Horizons Council if there is a possibility they could have input. I would also use my profile to communicate these ideas to the community. I would attend meetings to hear about these projects first-hand.
Hamish McDouall: As I said in a previous question, I am generally supportive of ideas generated by individual communities rather than a top-down approach. While supporting individual projects is dependent on local commitment, practicality and cost, as well as prioritization over the whole district.
James Barron: As I have done for the past three years on Council and for years prior too. But hopefully better as I learn more.