Housing, health, rates, lifestyle among issues candidates passionate about

• Published date: 23 September 2022
• Publication title: Oamaru Mail

All candidates were asked two questions —

Why are you standing?

What issues are you most passionate about in Oamaru, and where would you like to see change?

OISIN ALTENA-RUSSELL

Age: 25

Occupation: Entrepreneur

I am standing for the Oamaru ward as I feel it is time for myself and my generational peers to take responsibility in guiding the development of the district. As we move out of a profoundly different period, new minds and ideas are the key to success. I hope to contribute innovation and fresh perspective to the Oamaru ward and district.

Housing is the issue I am most passionate about. Without accommodation or a place to call home, Oamaru will struggle to expand and develop in the way we need to keep up with our changing demographic and economic situation. I see an opportunity for the council to make space for new building materials and techniques to fill the delay gaps that plasterboard and other build material supply-chains have caused. Other councils in the North Island have taken the initiative and are incentivising marginal land usage diversification. This is done via native forest planting as part of the ETS in exchange for new titles specifically for new housing. This strikes me as an excellent way to build and develop our district environment, create value for landowners and increase the speed of new building projects.

TIM BLACKLER

Age: 34

Occupation: Director aged residential carefacility and part-time geologist

I’m running to ensure we keep our focus centred around our great qualities — green spaces, historic character and community spirit.

I’m passionate about Waitaki District Health Services: we have a once in a generation opportunity for the Government to make good on their promise to provide equitable health care. In this respect the hospital is directly linked to the vibrancy of our town. Good healthcare supports the business community and those who choose this as a place to live hence my focus on this as a key issue. The locality planning framework under Health New Zealand gives the council an opportunity. We need to stand up in partnership with WDHS to ensure we get the right deal, secure contracts for services that meet our needs and understand how the funding streams will flow all while maintaining our status as a secondary level regional hospital. Housing: Waitaki needs district investment in the smaller communities to create vibrant and affordable hubs. Oamaru does not need density development. We need to make this clear to our planners. We also need to ensure immediate implementation of the recent policy statement on protection and management of our high-class soils. Progress: what is progress in the context of a community? It certainly isn’t always synonymous with growth and development so there is a need to...