Horizons candidates have their say

• Published date: 01 September 2022
• Publication title: Guardian, The

2. What does Horizons Regional Council do

3. What is the biggest challenge facing Horizons and what would you do about it?

4. If you were running for Parliament, which party would you be with?

5. Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

Te Kenehi Teira

1. I would be participating for everyone and the whole region but I would be representing Māori for their participation, partnership with iwi and protection of the environment and people. People on the Māori roll finally would be able to vote for candidates in Māori wards and that is a good start to addressing the Treaty of Waitangi in local government. My campaign slogan is “kia kaha” meaning be strong, that is to enrol and vote.

2. Horizons does many things but I particularly enjoy that they try to protect the taiao, our rivers, mountains, lakes, species, access, beaches, and now they are mindful of the democratic diversity of voices on the council.

3. Three of the big problems are climate change particularly flooding (waipuke), pollution/landfills and reforms from central government — Six Waters, including the wairua (spiritual nature), waiora (health and wellbeing) and waipuke. I would get the council researching, testing, debating, educating and promoting the solutions such as wetlands, more recycling stations and more work/learning schemes for young and older people in the field.

4. N/A

5. I have worked for Palmerston North City Council as their principal Māori officer and was a councillor for Foxton Borough Council. I was in the public service as the kaihautu and deputy CE for Heritage NZ for 20 years.

The other Tonga Māori constituency candidate, Warwick Gernhoefer, did not respond.

Bal Ghimire

1. I came from a culture where we worship nature. I want to put my input to the wider community and make them feel how nature-loving we as a community are. My actions will encourage communities to protect nature and natural resources.

2. Regional public transport, protect flora and fauna, clean rivers and waterways, planning for climate change, civil defence.

3. After being in the country for a decade and a half, I have noticed that communities are not very aware of what Horizons does. My main aim is to engage communities, especially youth, in the protection of nature engaging them in the planting of trees as well as cleaning waterways and rivers.

4. I am independent and still want to be independent so I can work for my people and nation rather than a single party or person.

5. I am a good team...