Key Topics for Thames

We face some big challenges as a community. I want to share my thoughts on a few key issues, and I’ll continue to add more as we go.

Rates Affordability

Cost of living and rates affordability is a hot topic NZ wide. We are currently experiencing the deepest economic recession in the past 30 years. All properties must pay Council rates, but not everyone has the same ability to pay. The cost of living and doing business is on the rise. Householders and businesses alike are having to squeeze their budgets and resources to survive - so we have to ask: is Council operating as leanly and efficiently as possible, and how do we prioritise wants versus needs?

The challenge is complex:

• Thames has a small ratepayer base, limited options for growth, and higher costs because of our geography and lack of economic scale.
• Infrastructure costs are rising, alongside the impacts of climate change and more frequent weather events.
• A large portion of our community is on fixed or below-average incomes.

So, what can we do?

Work together, not alone. As a small Council, we need to partner where it makes sense—sharing resource, expertise, costs, and purchasing power. While localism and self-determination are important, I believe regional partnerships could help us manage big infrastructure projects without overburdening future generations. I’m following the Local Water Done Well developments closely, and the sooner that we partner with others to improve our economy of scale, the better. More on that later.

Grow revenue, not just rates. With our small rate base, we need population growth to distribute the costs more widely. Business growth to create more local jobs and housing development to support population growth go hand in hand and must be high priority.

Control costs and focus on the essentials. Core infrastructure—roads, water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste—must come first. But we also need to retain and support the assets and services that make Thames a great place to live: parks, events, a vibrant high street, and safe, welcoming public spaces. Supporting our community organisations is also highly important, but overall we must be realistic about what we can afford.

Keep fairness in mind. Many households simply can’t afford ever-rising rates. I don’t support a strict rates cap, but the community’s ability to pay must factor into every decision. That means prioritising what matters most and keeping the cost of living manageable.

Economic Development

Thames has been struggling for some time—stagnant population growth, a lack of housing, limited job opportunities, and rising living costs. Some of this is beyond our control, but there are levers Council can pull to help turn things around.

Here’s what I’d like to see:

• Support the local economy. I have already advocated for the development of a local procurement policy to Councils Chief Executive. Council is the largest spender in our district by far. A local procurement policy that recognises the benefit of dollars being spent locally by giving more weight to local suppliers and contractors has genuine merit. It’s our money—let’s keep it circulating and working for our local economy.
• Unlock housing growth. The Spatial Plan project is moving too slowly. Housing shortages are driving affordability issues and holding back investment. We have identified land in Totara Valley, the Kauaeranga Valley and Puriri — let’s move on it.
• Grow industry. Kopu is our biggest business growth opportunity. We’ve already invested in the Kopu Wharf —now we need to build on that by driving greater utilisation through attracting new businesses. We need to act as business brokers outside of our districts boundaries.
• Revitalise our main street. Upcoming water mains renewals in Pollen Street will be disruptive, but it’s also an opportunity to improve the streetscape, making it more welcoming and vibrant and attractive to district and regional customers.
• Back local events. Events bring people, energy, and money into town. Let’s support our community organisers and also look at attracting bigger regional events, especially in arts, music and culture.
• Improve transport links. The connector bus helps locally, but we need better connections to Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga. While regional councils lead public transport, our Council can continue to advocate strongly on this.
• Boost tourism. “Explore Thames” and our Information Centre do great work, but they need sustainable support. Council could also help incubate local ideas and back community groups that keep our visitor economy ticking. There are numerous opportunities that could be created to encourage longer visitor stays.
• Balance our population demographics. Retirees are a strength, but we also need younger families and workers. To attract them, we need affordable housing, good jobs, and thriving commercial and social services.

Thames has the talent, ideas, and resources—we just need Council to help unlock the potential.

Māori Engagement in Council

I strongly support creating an environment where Māori feel encouraged and supported to participate in Council. It’s not only the right thing to do—it’s required by law through Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Local Government Act.

Māori are tangata whenua of Aotearoa, and Council decisions affect Māori land, people, and resources. As Treaty settlements progress, Hauraki iwi will play a major role in our region’s future. Their economic and cultural regeneration will benefit the whole community.

That’s why I’ll be voting yes to keep our Māori ward. It guarantees representation and ensures Māori voices are part of Council decision-making. If that vote is lost, I’ll advocate for other ways Council can meet its obligations and strengthen partnerships with iwi. We are better together.

Some people have concerns about fairness and equity, but Māori wards are consistent with the principle of “one person, one vote.” The law ensures votes in Māori wards carry the same weight as any other. For too long Māori have been underrepresented in local government. This is about restoring balance and making sure decisions reflect all of us.