I’m Standing for Re-election as Thames Coromandel Representative on Waikato Regional Council

July 8, 2022August 5, 2022 TeggTalk6 Comments

As your Thames Coromandel representative on Waikato Regional Council since 2019, I’ve had a significant influence on the council’s actions to control rates, tackle climate change, improve water quality and public transport, boost economic development, and enhance the overall well-being of our communities. This is great momentum, but there is so much more I wish to achieve for our communities. That is why I am asking for your vote to re-elect me as your regional council representative.

My positive influence on WRC’s actions includes:

Community Benefits/Rates

A loan scheme I proposed for eco-retrofitting homes is now WRC’s flagship policy (at no cost to general ratepayers). This scheme will provide low-interest loans to households of up to $15,000 for installations such as double-glazing, insulation, heat pumps, water tanks and solar panels, repayable by way of a targeted rate.
A zero-rates increase in the first year of the Covid-19 crisis and better rates relief for low-income households

Public Transport

Planning is more advanced for new public transport services in Thames Coromandel than in any other Waikato rural district, due to my advocacy
Future of Thames Urban Bus future secured, and $400,000 to volunteer community transport
New subsidised transport services for disabled persons started in Thames Coromandel

Economic Development

$200,000 grant towards the purchase of the iconic New Chums Beach headland
Regional development grant of $2m for the development of Sugarloaf Wharf, Coromandel

Climate Change

45% reduction in WRC’s emissions resulting in lower operating costs for ratepayers
A bold plan to make Waikato public transport carbon emissions “negative” by 2027 and greater emphasis on public transport connections in rural areas
Focus on drought, drinking water supply, river and coastal flooding and other climate change risks
Ending WRC investment in fossil fuels
Installing solar power on council buildings gaining significant savings for ratepayers
Keeping WRC climate-focused with a climate action committee, a climate action roadmap and a decision-making framework

Protecting Waterways Forests and Wildlife

Secured government funding for kauri dieback and wilding pine control on the Peninsula
Local pest trapping, kiwi care, and restoration groups receiving almost $2 million
$1million ‘Shovel Ready’ funding gained for local ‘Clean Streams’ and river restoration projects to keep our waterways swimmable

Read and Download my Election Flyer