Chris Minneē – 2025
Chris Minneē – Cambridge Community Board
1. Should councillors sit on the two community boards or should it be just those elected to the board by the public for that specific role? (50 words)
Councillors should sit on the two community boards, as a way for the council to have a direct overview of the issues being dealt with by the board.
2. Would you support a Māori ward seat on the community boards? (50 words)
I do not support a Maori seat on the community board. Those on the board are elected for ability regardless of race.
3. Should the central business district be the main hub for retail and business or should the 15 minute neighbourhood strategy in Ahu Ake be adopted? (50 words)
The central business district is definitely the main hub for retail and business, and should remain so into the future.
4. Community board chairs sat in on annual plan, long term plan and other council business during this term. Is that a good thing or it doesn’t go far enough? Te Kanohi representatives have speaking and voting rights at committee meetings, should community board chairs be allowed to have that also? (50 words)
It would be nice for the board chair not only to be able to attend council meetings, but also to be able to speak on any agenda item.
5. In the case of the Blue Blob in Cambridge and the Kihikihi Cycleway, the community boards weren’t consulted before it was too late. Should community boards be more involved at an earlier stage? (50 words)
The community board was not consulted previously by the council on some past projects, and that led to some bad outcomes. Absolutely the board needs to be very closely involved in any major projects.
6. A member of the Cambridge Community Board was on the earlier Cambridge Connections project group but was sworn to secrecy and unable to report back to the board. Was that fair? (50 words)
It was reported that a community board member was on the earlier Cambridge Connections project, but sworn to secrecy. By gagging the board it was unable to assist the council in relaying its ideas and plans to the citizens.
7. Community advisors were appointed during Covid and the position still exists today. Should they report more regularly through to community boards? (50 words)
I am unable to comment on the role of the Community advisors, as I have no knowledge of the role they play in the community board. I would like to think all sensible advice received by the board is considered regardless of its source.
8. What sort of decisions could community boards be involved with to take away pressure on councillors? More delegated authority? (50 words)
Without having been involved previously with the community board, I cannot suggest ways for the Board to be more helpful to the councillors yet, and I would at this stage be reluctant to suggest what extra delegated authority should be given to the board.
9. Should community boards have more funding available for discretionary grants? (50 words)
Discretionary grants surely are given to the boards when the funds and amounts are available whatever that may be. I would hope the council allocates the maximum amount it can afford.
10. Do you believe Waipā District Council should continue to have community boards? (50 words)
Community boards should continue to be a part of the Waipa District council organisation, it is a conduit for dialogue to and from council for the ratepayers and citizens.
See: Cambridge Community Board candidates – in their own words
