Garry Dyet
Waipā needs astute, strategic and well-informed leaders for what chief executive Garry Dyet describes as a “pivotal time” to be an elected representative in the district.
“We need people who will put the time and the work in to understand the issues at stake and to make the best possible decisions on behalf of our entire district,” he says in his pre-election report published this week as a guide for those thinking of standing and voting in the local body elections.
Dyet is legally required under the Local Government Act to prepare a report independent of the existing mayor and councillors.
Nominations for the council opened on July 15 and close on August 12.
Voting starts in mid-September and closes on October 8.
“The local government sector is in a period of huge and rapid transformation; more than I have ever seen before,” says Dyet, who joined the council as a health inspector in 1980.
Reforms such as Three Waters, will have a “dramatic impact” on the organisation.
“We need decision-makers who understand the implications of these reforms and will take a considered and long-term approach to important issues and opportunities.
“Waipā deserves diverse and capable community representatives, able to inspire and lead our district.”
Voters should also do their research and make an informed vote, says Dyet.
The district is growing so quickly, it will need 212 additional houses in Cambridge every year and 100 in Te Awamutu and Kihikihi “just to keep up”.
