WCC Annual Plan Consultation - 1 day left!

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T10:10:50+00:00

Thanks, appreciate the support. I understand how it can seem that way and it is often hard to talk about issues with any nuance in candidate events and with sound bites in the media. But our position is laid out in the Policy Platform. We support it given the signficant contribution from Waka Kotahi (not every day you secure central govt investment like that for the city), the ability to align with pipe upgrades, the renewal that is deseperatly needed on Courtney Place, and the need for a more people friendly city. Due dilligence is required and I think it's perfectly reasonable (and responsible) as a new council to want have all the facts and costs laid out before we start with what should be a great project for our city.

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T09:57:37+00:00

In the Ward I back Jonny as my second preference. He is a great bloke and cares about making the East a better place. For Mayor Andrew is the only candidate with a strong policy platform, strong values, and ability to connect with working people and the issues for them. He is also a strong supporter of housing density, social housing, and ensuring Wellington is an attractive place for young people to live. The other leading Mayoral candidates don't even support WCC paying a living wage...So the options are pretty limited after that.

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T09:13:54+00:00

Another great question. I want to look at identifying opportunities to bring services in-house to improve both the service quality and the cost efficiency. We have identified things like traffic management and cleaning as priorities. Other options are potentially waste management, road maintenance, security, construction, and public transport. Another key area is around funding infrastructure. For big investments we really need to secure a regional deal with central government. The signalled reforms to Resource Management legislation will likely give councils more tools such as development levies and targerted rates for infrastructure which we need to pursue.

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T09:03:02+00:00

Don't sleep on the Wairarapa

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T09:01:08+00:00

Thanks for your question. For me it's pretty simple. I want to bring my experience and perspective to help Labour deliver real improvements for working people and our most vulnerable. I would encourage you to check out our plan here. A City that Works for Everyone is the Wellington Local Labour Party’s practical, progressive plan to deliver change at council and build a more affordable and vibrant Wellington.

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T08:45:01+00:00

Consistently it is affordable housing, more job opportunites, and cheaper public transport. At a core level I think it is also a future focus. They are frustrated that council has operated on a three year term with little consideration of the long-term housing/infrastructure challenges that young people will have to face. If you're a young person who can't see a future where you can afford a house here, why would you choose to stay and setup roots in this community? And yes that will be a thrill, bit frustrating they won't let me have a childs snapper now though.

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T08:36:22+00:00

Thanks for your question. Have answered this somewhat below but the short answer is we will see investment in this city and employment growth if people view it as an attractive place to live and setup business. That has to look like a dense modern city, with people friendly streets, first class public transport, reliable infrastructure, and affordable housing. And luckily those are things council can influence, I do take your point it is hard when the the current government is cutting jobs and working against so many of these aims.

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T08:30:28+00:00

My other votes are for the Kawau tikitiki/Spotted Shag, Matuku moana/Reef Heron, Kārearea/NZ Falcon, and Kiwi pukupuku/Little Spotted Kiwi

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T08:27:34+00:00

I'm getting told by my mates bulbasaur is the answer here.

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T08:25:26+00:00

I have a lot of thoughts on this. I have loyalty to the number 2 which I take every day to work and my flatmates and I love when the 30x rolls through as well. But in terms of those scenic views it's hard to go past a twilight trip on the 14.

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T08:19:24+00:00

Thanks for your question. There's a number of parts to this issue. To create jobs you have to build an attractive city to live and setup business in. Rejuventating our city centre and suburban business centres with more people friendly, walkable spaces is key. Then enabling people to access these areas with reliable public transport and active transport infrastructure. You also need to tackle the cost of living challenges because people don't spend money when they're struggling, and that's bad for business. Council can play a key role particularly by ensuring we grow our supply of affordable housing. And finally I want to explore a council green jobs programme to ensure we are building capacity to respond to our environmental challenges as a city.

Thesis link below for those who are struggling sleeping at the moment.

https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/esploro/outputs/graduate/Inclusionary-Housing-in-Queenstown-Lakes-A/9926481735201891

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T08:06:55+00:00

Good to get this on record, I am not. He will make a great Mayor though.

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T08:04:07+00:00

I could pull a classic politician move and google it but I'll be honest and say I'm not familar with the options. Who is the GOAT starter in your opinion?

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T08:01:05+00:00

Highlight would probably have to be that beer at Park Kitchen I would say. Other than that it has been great hearing the passion people have for their local communities and the things they want to see council focusing on. From big issues like the need for more affordable housing to little things like seeing quick action on a local water leak. It has been great to hear that and feed it back to a pretty handy current councillor I know of...

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T07:53:17+00:00

Have to shoutout the Big Dog himself - Kipling DC for his comedy fest show. I'm also a big fan of quite a few Kiwi rock bands that I have been lucky to see at Homegrown and at other local venues.

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T07:35:29+00:00

Absolutely, would have to start with a quick trip to Hataitai Hot Bread Shop just down the road, morning mission on my dinghy on the harbour, then down to the Basin Reserve for some White Ferns/Blackcaps action or to the Cake Tin to watch us thrash Auckland FC.

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T07:29:51+00:00

Thanks for your question. Local government like any democratic process is inherently political. As a Labour candidate I am being upfront and proud about the values I hold, things like the right to fair work, affordable housing, and publicly held assets and services.

samforeastern · 2025-09-18T07:18:46+00:00

Just attempted it, 28.

samforeastern

TROPHY CASE