Four "Easy" Questions

[The Rotorua Daily Post asked Council Candidates to respond to four questions.  Responses have been published over the last few days.  Here are mine.] 

What do you think is the biggest issue facing Rotorua right now? 

Stimulating economic growth is vital to attract investment, support job creation across the region and increase prosperity.  Development of innovative business opportunities in our manufacturing geothermal, forestry, and agricultural sectors will bring people and investment into Rotorua resulting in a more attractive, vibrant and resilient city for current and future residents.

 

Should we be reducing debt or building infrastructure? 

Debt reduction is a priority as tough economic times have raised ratepayers concern. We must act on these concerns but remember that debt is a tool to share the cost of infrastructure over generations. Some vital infrastructure must be built.

Goal: a level of debt we can accept as a city. 

How would you breath new life into the Central Business District? 

Recognise the inevitable changes in shopping and lifestyles. Our inner city is too big. Take the opportunity to significantly redesign our heart. Create green space linking Government Gardens with Kuirau Park. Keep asking our residents what they want, work with them to achieve what’s possible. Think outside the square.

Why do you stand out as a better candidate? 

I am already on Council and have learnt how to be effective there. I am honest, reliable and dedicated.  I am approachable, a good listener and a quick learner. I remain open to new ideas and everyone’s point of view.  I work hard to improve our city.  

Review Responses

[The Rotorua Review asked for my response to two questions to be published in their editions on 3rd September and 17th September.  Here they are, each in just 50 words!]


Vision for Rotorua: 
My future Rotorua - City of Cycles, attracting major companies adopting work-life balance, favourable house prices and proximity to all amenities.  A rebirth of the inner city heated geothermally.  Innovative crops like hops, tea and truffles; a science hub for forestry and freshwater.  A sculpture trail attracting record visitor numbers.

The Number One Concern I am hearing from voters and my plan to address it: 

Consultation: Different groups have varied issues, but the same concern. Grey Power - debt; Cyclists - safe cycle routes; Retailers - inner city vibrancy; Farmers - remaining economically viable.  All of these groups feel disconnected from decision-making. Overhaul our consultation model. Major improvements needed in listening and talking to you.

Change. It Happens!

[Written for this year's September issue of Ngnongotaha News] 

Change is coming, whether we like it or not.

We welcome some changes while others seem forced upon us.  Some take a while to get used to, others not.  Some changes happen naturally and others require our energy and input to achieve.

Changes are on the way in our community, in our environment and around our council table.

Statistics tell us that the average age of our community is increasing.  We don’t yet know what our aging population will want and need, but we can be sure that it won’t be just more of the same.

People of all ages are asking for change, especially our young people. Quite rightly, many of these changes are being led by community groups who want more say in how their community develops.  This needs to be encouraged and supported by those in local and national politics.

Our environment is changing, mostly for the better.  Stream replanting and significant changes in farming practices are having a positive impact on lake water quality.  These changes have been hard-won and at some cost to the farming community.  Thanks to cooperative efforts, I believe we are on the right track.

Local government in Rotorua will be changing on October 12^th.  The sad passing of Maureen Waaka and the departure of Maggie Bentley create room for two new councilors.  How much more change is up to you.

We have the opportunity to get some new thinking around the council table. New people bring new ideas; they challenge entrenched beliefs. They look with fresh eyes and they remind us exactly why we have elections every three years. All groups benefit from a balance of experienced and new members.  The Council is no exception.

Make sure you vote to get the sort of change you want.

Thank you for your support.

Cr Karen Hunt.

City of Cycles: What Are We Waiting For?

[Finally, here's Number Five of my "Top Five Issues" listed on the vote.co.nz website] 

Rotorua is officially recognised as the 8^th best mountain biking destination in the world.  It's the undisputed home of mountain biking in NZ and this is just the beginning.

Our part of the national cycle way is called "Thermal by Bike" or "Te Ara O Ahi."  It takes riders through some of the most unique landscapes in the world.  We can offer both locals and visitors a safe cycling environment second to none. 

I believe we have the opportunity to build significantly onto this reputation and further raise our cycling profile.We have an ideal city for cyclists of all ages and styles, with our flat inner city, close proximity to food and entertainment, the museum, the lake, the forest and hot spas.  We have already created some safe cycling links from the suburbs into town.

What we need next is a complete overhaul of cycle-ways across and through the inner city.  Imagine a city full of bikes, where pedestrians and cycles had safe passage away from cars; where it was easier to walk or bike than drive.

As a motorist, imagine fewer cars on the road and not having to be on the lookout for cyclists around every bend.

Making Rotorua the City of Cycles is within our grasp and I need your support to help make this happen.

Don't believe cycling has a future here?  Check these out:

http://www.treehugger.com/cars/biggest-bicycling-infrastructure-achievement-north-america-youve-never-heard-about.html

http://www.smh.com.au/national/bike-riders-save-economy-21-on-each-commute-20130730-2qxdg.html

The Part of Art

[This is number four of my "Top Five Issues" listed on the vote.co.nz website.  Number five coming soon] 

We don’t have enough of it in Rotorua.  I am actively pushing to increase the amount of art in our public places at every opportunity.

Art is a visual representation to the outside world of what we hold in our hearts and what we value in Rotorua.  City art becomes a visible, physical representation of us as a people.

Someone's breaking into the Denver Convention Centre!

 

I am passionate about city art and beautification because this is glue that holds a city together and creates a "must see" destination.  Residents feel a sense of belonging when surrounded by art that is personal to them and their stories.

People visit cities to experience this cultural identity.  Whether it’s an historic building, an iconic monument to people and events or a distinctive (and maybe controversial) piece of public art.  These are the draw-cards that bring people in and unite those that live there. 

This need has been recognised in a major recent achievement.  With any new capital works project, Council has agreed to allocate 1% of the cost to artistic enhancement.

I am a big fan of functional art works and the new toilets at the Redwoods on Long Mile Drive are an excellent example of this.  I don’t believe any facility needs to be merely functional and bland.  I need your support to keep making art integral to the development of our city.

Just to whet your appetite, have a look at some inexpensive street art... http://www.streetartutopia.com/?p=5982

The Future of Rotorua: All in 50 Words!

[The Rotorua Review asked for candidates' vision for Rotorua, limited to 50 words]  

My future Rotorua - City of Cycles, attracting major companies adopting work-life balance, favourable house prices and proximity to all amenities.  A rebirth of the inner city heated geothermally.  Innovative crops like hops, tea and truffles; a science hub for forestry and freshwater.  A sculpture trail attracting record visitor numbers. 

[Made it!]