Rate rises have become a serious issue within Local Government as we’ve seen too many people prioritising nice-to-haves on top of multiple mandates from Central Government that increase costs. All councils in New Zealand are struggling but we can do better.

Oh I could rabbit on for pages as some do. With regard to the future of our water services, the resolution put in place by nine elected members (me included) was sensible, practical and adaptable.

Do you ever feel like the only other person in the world you can trust is your dog?

I’m one of you, I've got deep roots here and have been proud to call the Waitaki home for the past 27 years, coming back to the district after mustering in the late 1960s to raise my family. Drawn by the land, people and potential, the Waitaki has allowed people to live great lives and have opportunity to prosper.

I’m not a politician but just another concerned rate payer.