Aidhean Camson – 2025
Aidhean Camson – Cambridge Ward
1. Operational Deficits and Borrowing (maximum 100 words)
Waipā is currently running operational deficits over three years, which reduces the annual rates increase by around 4%. To fund this gap, the council is borrowing an average of $8 million per year.
a. Were you aware of this funding strategy?
b. Do you agree with the approach of borrowing to fund operational shortfalls as prudent rather than raising rates to fully fund current operations? Why or why not?
The Long Term Plan shows this clearly in the balanced budget benchmark. As a general rule, I don’t support borrowing to cover everyday operations—it’s not sustainable long term. That said, I do see the rationale: easing rates increases during a period of cost pressures on households. What matters now is making sure this doesn’t drift. Council performance must be monitored tightly so we meet or beat the current plan. My commitment is that Waipā should be back in balance before 2028/29—living within our means while still investing wisely for the future.
2. Ahu Ake – Waipā Community Spatial Plan (maximum 100 words)
The council has adopted the “Ahu Ake – Waipā Community Spatial Plan” as a long-term vision to guide growth and infrastructure planning.
a. Do you support the direction and priorities set out in Ahu Ake?
b. Given that the plan proposes a number of costly studies how would you ensure that it remains relevant, affordable, and aligned with community needs over time?
I think the vision in Ahu Ake is on the right track—focusing on people, the environment, culture and the economy. But plans only matter if they turn into action. Too often we see big reports that take years but little happens on the ground. I’d want council to show clearly what’s being delivered and how it benefits the community, in ways people can actually measure and understand. And while I support the long-term view, I’d also look for practical ways to fund and speed up some of the improvements so progress isn’t decades away.
3. Cambridge Connections (maximum 100 words)
The Cambridge Connections project reset proposes a transport network realignment and new infrastructure development around Cambridge, with potential long-term cost across the district and land use implications as well as extensive consultation.
a. Do you support the scale and scope of the Cambridge Connections project as currently proposed?
b. How should costs and impacts be managed to ensure fairness to ratepayers and affected communities?
Although I am a relative newcomer to Cambridge, it’s clear that transport challenges – particularly the need for a third bridge – have been decades in the making. Given where we are now, the Cambridge Connections approach seems the right path forward, but it must be efficient and well managed. The process has to include honest, transparent consideration of cost alongside all of the impacts a solution will have on our community. Ratepayers deserve clarity on the long-term effects so that decisions are fair, affordable, and sustainable.
4. Council Expenditure and Core Services (maximum 100 words)
a. In your view, is Waipā District Council currently limiting its spending to basic or essential services?
b. If elected, would you support a review of current expenditure with a view to reducing non-essential costs and/or staffing levels?
Waipā seems to run slightly leaner than most councils, with fewer staff per resident than the NZ median. This shows discipline, but spending is not limited to “bare essentials.” Alongside roads, rubbish, water, and waste, we also invest in parks, libraries, and community facilities. These aren’t strictly essential, but they help make Waipā a place where life is about more than just paying the power bill — while recognising some households are in this precise predicament. The challenge is balance: essentials must come first, extras kept affordable. I’d support a review to ensure spending is prioritised, justified, and delivers value.
5. Urban Intensification and Tier 1 Status (maximum 50 words)
Waipā must now enable greater housing intensification and density under new rules.
What principles should guide where and how higher-density housing is developed?
Council has allowed more housing through Plan Change 26 and linked it to Ahu Ake’s vision. But the principles need to be clear: build more homes only where roads and pipes can cope, where design fits the town, and where costs stay fair for ratepayers.
6. Māori Ward Representation (maximum 50 words)
Waipā established a Māori ward to enhance Māori representation at the council table.
Do you support the continuation of the Māori ward beyond the current term?
I recognise that Māori ward representation is an important and sensitive issue. With a community vote coming, I’ll be guided by that result. I believe Māori should be fairly represented, regardless of the outcome of the vote.
7. Community Boards (maximum 50 words)
Do you believe community boards effectively represent community views and provide valuable advice to council? Would you support any changes to their role or powers?
Community boards do represent local views and provide useful advice, that ability seems to be restricted by a lack of clear roles and responsibilities and their input sometimes arrives too late. I’d support reviewing their powers and reporting lines so their input genuinely reflects local views and informs council decisions.
8. Te Ara Wai (maximum 50 words)
What do you think the council should do with the old Bunnings building in Te Awamutu, which it bought to house Te Ara Wai Museum?
I think Te Ara Wai is a good idea with meaningful cultural and economic value, however we must be realistic. I don’t know the full history, but the scope now looks very different from the original concept. Council must find an affordable path or, be prepared to sell the building.
9. Future of Lake Karāpiro Domain (maximum 50 words)
Lake Karāpiro Domain is often referred to as Waipā’s “jewel in the crown”. The site is currently being reviewed under the Reserves Act 1977, and future options may include increased commercial development such as hotel or motel accommodation.
Hamilton City Council now charges outsiders to visit the Gardens, should Waipā do something similar at Karāpiro?
Do you support further commercial development at Lake Karāpiro Domain and/or a visitors’ levy?
Karāpiro is one of Waipā’s treasures, and more people are using it every year. That’s why the review matters. We need to balance sport, culture, and the environment with sensible facilities. Some commercial development could help, but only if it’s affordable, protects access, and really benefits all involved.
10. Finally, what is your vision for the Waipā district? (maximum 250 words)
My vision for Waipā is a district that grows smartly, spends wisely, and looks after its people.
Three principles guide me. First, transparency: residents should be able to see clearly what council is doing and how today’s decisions connect to long-term plans. Information must be accessible and meaningful, not buried in long reports.
Second, testing the true cost of projects. Too often major projects run over budget because the first estimates are unrealistic. With 25 years of experience delivering infrastructure internationally, I know the value of honest forecasts and strong contingency planning. Waipā deserves that discipline.
Third, guiding change before it guides us. Growth, water reform, and shifting community needs are already shaping our district. Council must anticipate change, plan carefully, and respond openly when things don’t go as expected. I believe bad news must travel faster than good news because when issues are surfaced early, they can be fixed and we can still succeed.
Community facilities are central to Waipā’s quality of life. Our parks, libraries, walkways, and sports grounds bring people together and support health and wellbeing at every age. Council also has a responsibility to ensure services and facilities remain accessible and affordable, especially for households on fixed incomes. While health care itself is not a council role, we can play our part in making Waipā an age-friendly, connected, and welcoming place.
My vision is a Waipā that grows well, protects its character, and invests in community life. Smart Growth. Strong Governance.
