“We have too much infrastructure and not enough ratepayers” – that is the core reason why Tasman’s rates keep going up. I will focus my efforts on improving this ratio, to utilise our existing infrastructure more efficiently, and provide better oversight for Council spending to bring costs down for every one of us. Here’s my plan:
1. Review the Long Term Plan Line by Line
Strike out capital works projects that don’t improve Council’s long-term financial position. Prioritise basic infrastructure, not vanity “pet projects”. Projects to scrap or downscale may include:
- Digital Innovation Project – $20 million
- Tapawera Hub – $1.8 million plus $0.5 million (DIA) and $0.4 million community fundraising
- Wakefield Hub – $8.5 million plus $2.5 million community fundraising
- Motueka Swimming Pool – $20 million
- Paton Reserve – projected budget unknown
2. Set a New Benchmark for Capital Spending
All projects must deliver long-term financial benefit and solve multiple problems where possible – like housing, climate resilience, and affordability.
3. Ensure Greenfield Development Pays its Way
Update the development contributions policy to ensure, as far as legally possible, that new developments cover their real infrastructure costs.
4. Strengthen CEO Accountability for Financial Efficiency
I’ll instruct an external review into staffing levels and internal operations for cost-effectiveness – and will embed financial efficiency as a formal Key Performance Indicator (KPI). Council leadership must model the same value-for-money approach expected in every project and service.
5. Streamlined Decision-Making
TDC’s current structure ties up councillors and staff in slow, bureaucratic processes – often focused on low-risk, minor matters. This wastes time and money. I’ll push for smaller, focused groups with delegated authority to make routine decisions more efficiently. That will free up Council’s time to focus where it really matters: long-term strategy, financial oversight and major infrastructure – where the biggest impact on rates is made.
6. Follow Sound Fiscal Principles
Stick to the basics:
- Operational spending should be funded through rates and charges
- Capital spending can be responsibly financed over the lifetime of the asset
- Avoid unnecessary asset sales that compromise long-term public value
- Reverse debt trajectory to create headroom for unplanned events (e.g. natural disaster)