Closing the Gap Candidate Survey – Western Bay of Plenty District Council

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The following outcomes are the results from a recent survey of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council election candidates by income equity group Closing the Gap.

closing the gap candidate surveys
All information provided by Closing the Gap.

Candidates and Responses


closing the gap

Click on the person you would like to hear from:

      1. Ben Warren – Katikati Community Board
      2. Dale Snell – Te Puke Community Board
      3. David Marshall – Katikati – Waihi Beach Ward
      4. John Evans – Kaimai Ward
      5. John Palmer – Kaimai Ward
      6. Kamal Yadav – Katikati Community Board
      7. Kassie Ellis – Te Puke Community Board
      8. Kate Sutherland – Katikati Community Board
      9. Larissa Hika – Te Puke Community Board
      10. Margaret Murray-Benge – Mayor, Kaimai Ward
      11. Mark Dean – Kaimai Ward
      12. Mike Lally – Maketu – Te Puke Ward
      13. Monique Lints – Maketu – Te Puke Ward
      14. Neil Candy – Katikati – Waihi Beach Ward
      15. Richard Crawford – Te Puke Community Board
      16. Richard McNair – Te Puke Community Board
      17. Stephan Simpson – Maketu Community Board
      18. Steve Fawcett – Mayor, Maketu-Te Puke Ward, Te Puke Community Board
      19. Suaree Borell – Kaimai Ward
      20. William Ra Anaru – Maketu Community Board


Suaree Borell

closing the gap suaree
Suaree Borell

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is
more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for
might address them?

Both wealth inequality and income inequality are important issues which need to be
addressed by councils

Other Comment:

At the very least we as employers should look to pay a living wage…

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free public transport for all the above at the times specified

Other Comment:

with some qualification to this stance – Public transport costs and someone has to pay for
its up keep. We could design better cities and look in to flexi working times to ease
congestion and reduce harm to our transport infrastructure.

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils should pay their own staff, any CCO (council controlled organisation) staff, and council contractors’ staff at least the Living Wage.

Other Comment:

like yesterday – this needed to happen Yesterday

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Yes

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should retain ownership of some social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives? (Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Provide ongoing financial and/or other tangible support to housing initiatives such as
Housing First

Clear the council land that currently has poor housing standards and enter in partnership
with community to build new housing

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would
have

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would definitely support this change

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas,
eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to bandwidth which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

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Neil Candy

closing the gap neil
Neil Candy

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is
more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for
might address them?

Wealth inequality and income inequality are not issues which should be of concern to councils.

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free for Senior Card Holders (outside peak hours) (i.e. the status quo)

Other Comment:

This is a matter for BOP Regional council as they are the transport operators

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils should pay their own staff, any CCO (council controlled organisation) sta, and council contractors’ staff at least the Living Wage

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

No

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should only promote independent providers of social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives?

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Sell all existing social housing to developers and/or others to progressively convert the areas to community housing

Other Comment:

Designate areas for community housing

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would
have

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Keep focused on core council work

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

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Richard Crawford

closing the gap richard
Richard Crawford

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Both wealth inequality and income inequality are important issues which need to be addressed by councils

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free public transport for all the above at the times specified

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils should pay their own staff, any CCO (council controlled organisation) sta, and council contractors’ staff at least the Living Wage

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Yes

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should retain ownership of some social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Provide ongoing financial and/or other tangible support to housing initiatives such as Housing First

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would
have

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

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Mark Dean

closing the gap mark
Mark Dean

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Both wealth inequality and income inequality are important issues which need to be addressed by councils

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free public transport for all the above at the times specified

Other Comment:

This issue needs to be addressed to the Regional Council who control  the bus network.

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils should pay their own staff, any CCO (council controlled organisation) sta, and council contractors’ staff at least the Living Wage

Other Comment:

Have advocated for this for some time. Western bay pays staff the living wage or above but does not insist contractors do the same. Need to work on this

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Yes

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should retain ownership of some social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Provide the Policy and regulatory framework to enable community providers to build community housing.

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would
have

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

Other Comment:

This information is available

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Kassie Ellis

closing the gap
Kassie Ellis

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Income inequality is the most significant issue and councils can address this by leading by example

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free public transport for all the above at the times specified

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils need only adhere to current employment law when paying their own staff and should not dictate to contractors

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Yes

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should be fully and exclusively involved in social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Clear the council land that currently has poor housing standards and enter in partnership with ‘community’ to build new housing

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would
have

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

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John Evans

closing the gap john
John Evans

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Other Comment:

The wealth / income system is fundamentally biased to a minority of the population, and yet has the greatest effect to all people. Councils need to change the way they think around rates and services they provide.

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Other Comment:

Public transport should be a non-profit organisation. This would instantly bring fare prices into line with what the user can pay. Governmental agencies tasked with collecting road taxes and other road allocated funding, would fund public transport operations.

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Other Comment:

More work is required around remuneration for all workers. Perhaps introduce a maximum pay limit to encourage all workers to benefit from profits / shares of the business.

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Other Comment:

See Q3. new thinking is required, the old system is failing our people.

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Other Comment:

Like the public transport, social housing should be a non- profit organisation. A robust guideline around how and where the allocated funding and rents are used.

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Community housing should not be part of council business

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

The rating system should be progressively moved to a user-pays system for everything

Other Comment:

User pays, provided the user is not just paying for the businesses expanding profits.

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

The rating system should be progressively moved to a user-pays system for everything

Other Comment:

see Q7 addendum.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

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Steve Fawcett

closing the gap steve
Steve Fawcett

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Both wealth inequality and income inequality are important issues which need to be addressed by councils

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free public transport for all at all times

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils should pay their own staff, any CCO (council controlled organisation) sta, and council contractors’ staff at least the Living Wage

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Yes. 

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should be fully and exclusively involved in social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Clear the council land that currently has poor housing standards and enter in partnership with ‘community’ to build new housing

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have  

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

Back to the menu at top of page


Larissa Hika

closing the gap larissa
Larissa Hika

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Respondent skipped this question

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free public transport for all the above at the times specified

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils should encourage local businesses to pay at least the Living Wage

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Yes. 

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Social housing should not be part of council business

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Clear the council land that currently has poor housing standards and enter in partnership with ‘community’ to build new housing

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Other Comment:

Encouraging youth groups and helping to provide the best outcome for the support within the youth of the community

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

No

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Mike Lally

closing the gap mike
Mike Lally

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Wealth inequality and income inequality are not issues which should be of concern to councils.

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free for Community Service Card holders at all times

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils need only adhere to current employment law when paying their own staff and should not dictate to contractors

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

No

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should retain ownership of some social housing

Other Comment:

Only through Charitable Trusts

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Community housing should not be part of council business

Other Comment:

Council will make a mess of it and be paid for by ratepayers as now

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would definitely support this change.

Other Comment:

The burden of rates falls on urban and lifestyle blocks. Profit is made from land and not capital value

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would definitely support this change

Other Comment:

Rating base on land value.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Keep focused on core council work

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes.

Other Comment:

There is excessive wages now in most Councils. The living wage does not matter

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Monique Lints

closing the gap monique
Monique Lints

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Other Comment:

There are many factors feeding into this question as a whole. I would like to make an informed decision with more statistics and information.

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free public transport for all the above at the times specified

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Other Comment:

It would be great to see our council leading the way in providing the living wage, I would need to know more about current wages in council to comment.

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?
Yes

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Other Comment:

Social housing in my opinion for our town is needed for our elderly. It is important we care at some level for our most vulnerable through this housing.

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Other Comment:

Council should be seen to support these initiatives but leave it to these organisations to develop they know the community best and can build these relationships.

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

Other Comment:

I do not know enough about this subject but would like to see a detailed study to make an informed opinion.

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

Other Comment:

I do not know enough about this subject but would like to see a detailed study to make an informed opinion.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Other Comment:

Community engagement is key. Organisations and wrap- around services are a valued source of information and statistics about our people. The organisations that support them are the key to success and flourishing families progressing safer and inclusive communities.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

No

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Richard McNair

closing the gap richard m
Richard McNair

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Wealth inequality is the most significant issue and councils can address this with the way they collect rates

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free for Senior Card Holders (outside peak hours) (i.e. the status quo)

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils should pay their own staff, any CCO (council controlled organisation) sta, and council contractors’ staff at least the Living Wage

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Yes. 

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should be fully and exclusively involved in social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Social housing should not be part of council business

Other Comment:

In the WBOP District Council area, the flats in Te Puke are a disgrace and need to be handed over to a trust to operate, rents are excessive and maintenance is almost non-existant

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

Sell all exisiting social housing to developers and/or others to progressively convert the areas to community housing

Other Comment:

In Te Puke the council-owned flats should be handed over to the RSA Trust to own and operate as they can do this far better.

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

Other Comment:

It is crazy when you have a situation where the CEO is paid several times the amount that the Mayor is paid

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David Marshall

closing the gap david
David Marshall

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Both wealth inequality and income inequality are important issues which need to be addressed by councils

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free public transport for all the above at the times specified

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils need only to ensure their staff are paid the current Living Wage

Other Comment:

Contractors can be encouraged to pay all staff the minimum of the living wage but enforcement is by Council is a challenge.

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

No comment

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should retain ownership of some social housing

Other Comment:

New financial models in partnership with central government are needed to allow Council’s to remain in this space without facilities being a negative drain on ratepayers

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Provide ongoing financial and/or other tangible support to housing initiatives such as Housing First

Other Comment:

Council can be a partner/ enabler in facilitating development of good social housing without creating a significant burden on ratepayers.

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Other Comment:

While supportive of a more proactive stance this would be more as facilitator/ enabler rather than as a primary funder.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes,

Other Comment:

I support the publication of band widths but without being able to identify individuals, other than the CEO.

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Margaret Murray-Benge

closing the gap
Margaret Murray-Benge

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Other Comment:

We need to get our systems working better as housing is creating inequality. We have review our planning rules our regulations to make building affordable as we are adding costs which makes housing unaffordable.

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free for Community Service Card holders at all times

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Other Comment:

We do

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

No

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should retain ownership of some social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Clear the council land that currently has poor housing standards and enter in partnership with ‘community’ to build new housing

Other Comment:

If we can

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Other Comment:

There is a need to work with Government to support and upgrade areas of deprivation- at this time it is not happening. We also need to find a way to unravel Maori land so more housing can be provided. I’m Bethlehem there is beautiful flat land close to everything and no one is doing anything about it. We need to talk.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

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John Palmer

closing the gap johnp
John Palmer

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Wealth inequality and income inequality are not issues which should be of concern to councils.

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free for Senior Card Holders (outside peak hours) (i.e. the status quo)

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils need only to ensure their staff are paid the current Living Wage

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

No

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should retain ownership of some social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Other Comment:

Work with the developers to include an agreed percentage of social housing on land being provided by Council.

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

Other Comment:

I support the balance of rates after allowance for uniform annual charges being based on 50% on land value and 50% on capital value.

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

Other Comment:

I support the status quo noting that many retired ratepayers are asset rich but income poor.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

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Stephan Simpson

closing the gap stephan
Stephan Simpson

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Wealth inequality and income inequality are not issues which should be of concern to councils.

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free for Community Service Card holders at all times

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils should encourage local businesses to pay at least the Living Wage

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Yes

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should be fully and exclusively involved in social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Clear the council land that currently has poor housing standards and enter in partnership with ‘community’ to build new housing

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would definitely support this change

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

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Dale Snell

closing the gap dale
Dale Snell

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Wealth inequality and income inequality are not issues which should be of concern to councils.

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free for Senior Card Holders (outside peak hours) (i.e. the status quo)

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils need only to ensure their staff are paid the current Living Wage

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Yes

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should only promote independent providers of social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Other Comment:

I would need to learn more before answering that question

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would
have

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

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Kate Sutherland

closing the gap kate s
Kate Sutherland

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Both wealth inequality and income inequality are important issues which need to be addressed by councils

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free for children (15 years old and under) at all times

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils should pay their  own staff, any CCO (council controlled organisation) staff, and council contractors’ staff at least the Living Wage

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Yes

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should retain ownership of some social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Clear the council land that currently has poor housing standards and enter in partnership with ‘community’ to build new housing

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would definitely support this change

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Keep focused on core council work

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

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Ben Warren

closing the gap ben
Ben Warren

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Both wealth inequality and income inequality are important issues which need to be addressed by councils

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free public transport for all the above at the times specified

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils should pay their  own staff, any CCO (council controlled organisation) staff, and council contractors’ staff at least the Living Wage

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Yes

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Social housing should not be part of council business

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Clear the council land that currently has poor housing standards and enter in partnership with ‘community’ to build new housing

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

The rating system should be progressively moved to a user-pays system for everything

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

The rating system should be progressively moved to a user-pays system for everything

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Keep focused on core council work

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

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Kamal Yadav

closing the gap kamal
Kamal Yadav

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Both wealth inequality and income inequality are important issues which need to be addressed by councils

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free public transport for all the above at the times specified

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils need only adhere to current employment law when paying their own staff and should not dictate to contractors

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

Yes

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should be fully and exclusively involved in social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Clear the council land that currently has poor housing standards and enter in partnership with ‘community’ to build new housing

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

No

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William Ra Anaru

William Ra Anaru

Q1 – Inequality

Wealth inequality and income inequality are the two issues of concern although income inequality is more frequently assessed because it is easier to measure.

What is your view of these inequalities in relation to how the organisation you are a candidate for might address them?

Wealth inequality and income inequality are not issues which should be of concern to councils.

Q2 – Public Transport

Subsidising public transport would help address income inequality by providing cheap/zero cost alternative transport and would address wealth inequality by enabling better access to other public services. It would decrease the number of cars on our roads improving transport for all.

If public transport is subsidised, who do you think should benefit?

Free public transport for all at all times

Q3 – Living Wage

The living wage (2019) is $21.15/hr and is calculated on a national basis quantifying an hourly wage that a family of four requires to live based on one partner working full time and the other partner working half time. The current minimum wage is $17.70.

How do you think the living wage should be implemented by your council?

Councils should pay their own staff, any CCO (council controlled organisation) staff, and council contractors’ staff at least the Living Wage

Q4 – Living Wage

Do you think councils should be proactive in promoting the living wage to other organisations in the community?

No

Q5 – Social Housing

Social housing is housing owned by councils and rented to tenants. How much should councils be involved with social housing?

Council should retain ownership of some social housing

Q6 – Community Housing

Community housing is housing provided by the community via whatever mechanisms work for the community and with the object of the housing being owned by the occupiers. The one family, one plot of ground kiwi concept appears to be diminishing and new international trends are emerging in our landscape with community models. How much should councils be involved with community housing initiatives.

(Please select any options you think would work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty and/or
add your own suggestions in the space for Comments)

Provide ongoing financial and/or other tangible support to housing initiatives such as Housing First

Q7 – Rating System

In 1879 Henry George published Progress and Poverty in which he pointed out that, perversely, poverty increased with increasing progress and that the cause of this was the accumulation of unearned wealth based on increasing value of monopoly ownership of land.

His solution was land value tax. What is your position on progressively moving rates which are currently based on capital value to rates based on land value?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have

Q8 – Rating System

Some rating systems (e.g. the Tauranga rating system) include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC) which has the general effect of ratepayers of lower socio-economic status subsidising the unearned wealth accumulation of wealthier ratepayers.

What is your position on phasing out the UAGC where it applies?

I would support a detailed study of how this would be accomplished and the effects it would have.

Q9 – Wellbeing

Improving standards for children, Maori and Pasifika, Mental Health, infrastructure, and environment are at the heart of Central government’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget.

How can councils support the thrust of Central Government’s budget?

Take a proactive stance by increasing community inclusiveness outside of stipulated areas, eg: approaching groups for project input relevant to them.

Q10 – Knowledge of Council Staff Salaries

Many people are interested to know the range of salaries and wages paid by council as well as the numbers of employees in the various wages and salary bands. Do you support the regular publication of councils’ wages and salary bands with strict adherence to band width which may identify the income of individual staff members at both the low and high end of
the spectrum?

Yes

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WBOPDC candidates who did NOT respond to the survey:

Ross Goudie,  Allan Sole,  Anne Henry,  Shane Beech, Bob Hume,  Christina Humphreys,  Derek Sage,  Don Ryan,  Don Thwaites, Gary Webber,  Gina Davies, Neil Harray,  James Denyer, John Scrimgeour,  Joan Dugmore, John Clements,  Kevin Marsh, Kevin Tohiariki,  Grant Dally,   Murray Granger,  Norm Mayo,  Puran Bhag Singh,  Peter Presland,  Juliette Brawn,  Laura Rae,  Stephen Fawcett,  Tangiwai Manihera-Palmer,  Teresa Sage,  Tupaea Rolleston, Marilyn Roberts,  Wendy Mcfadyen, Willian Ra Anaru and George Van Dyke

You can also read the responses from candidates for: