Vote for Real Change in the Western Bay

Our Council faces substantial change over the next three years. With the right mayor it will emerge streamlined and focused on the needs of residents and ratepayers.

 Voting is now underway, closing on Oct 11 at midday. So why am I putting my name forward?

Quite simply, we need real change at the council, not more ‘business as usual’. We need to get back to basics if we are to get rates back under control and look after our beautiful district.

The impending separation of our waters assets must lead to lower council costs or you face paying a lot more, through both increased waters charges and higher rates.

There are three steps for our council to take to achieve meaningful reform:

1. Appoint a new CEO who wants to work closely with the council, staff and the community, not go to war with them.

2. Hold a full strategic review of the council, involving the community, on what we want the council to look like. This review must have savings at its core.

3. Reform the rates system so that ordinary home owners are only paying their share, not subsidising others.

   
   

My family and I love the Western Bay, from our district’s stunning beaches, rivers and harbours to its beautiful bush trails and economically important rural sector. We have strong, vibrant communities. Council can only sustainably care for our residents and these local treasures by efficiently delivering core services.

I’m also clear that the council needs to be much more open and transparent, listening and engaging with our communities.

The biggest complaint about the Western Bay of Plenty DC, after high rates, is a perception that the council talks down to the public. We need a humble council with a genuine openness to the ideas of others – a council that is not scared to tell you the tough stuff, as well as the happy news.

We have made some progress in transparency, but we need more genuine engagement with the community. This includes simple things such as including “no change” as an option when we consult, and an enlarged role for community boards. You, as residents, should not be surprised by the council’s decision-making process.

Using my experience in business, I have consistently fought for lower costs and greater efficiency at Council over the past three years. I have also demonstrated openness, with regular social media and other updates to the residents of my ward.

With your support, I will lead a focused Council that serves you. 

You can watch my candidate video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4u4RRktn8E

You can see more videos and read more on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rodneyjoyceWBO

You can learn more about me here by clicking through to my profile page or my personal LinkedIn profile.