Clare St Pierre – 2025
Clare St Pierre – Waipa Mayor
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?
Yes
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?
While not ideal, I see it as prudent as a short-term affordability measure to keep rates lower. The shortfall isn’t entirely funded by increased borrowing. Operating reserves were used to reduce the overall rates requirement (and reserves aren’t counted in the balanced budget formula), some depreciation costs of about $1.5 Million per year were unfunded (catch up takes place in later years), and certain operating costs for projects like the District Plan and Ahu Ake – Waipā Community Spatial Plan were loan funded rather than rates funded was deemed acceptable due to the long-term nature of these plans.
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?
Partly. I like the community-centred and place-making focus but was concerned that parts of the district are getting practically nothing while others receive large investment. I wanted more future trends accounted for, like renewable energy and re-forestation controls. Economic development actions need to ensure each community has targeted beneficial strategies.
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?
5-yearly reviews of the Plan are planned so community needs can be refreshed. I agree that a lot of studies are called for, and there is a risk that if funding isn’t available for implementation, they will sit about unactioned. I am advocating for innovative partnerships to get things moving.
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?
Yes, I do and am pleased to see how more community involvement is planned. It is critical to get this right both for Cambridge and for the rest of the district. The huge growth pressures need a broad range of interventions to manage congestion and parking in the CBD.
b. How should costs and impacts be managed to ensure fairness to ratepayers and affected communities?
Avoid the need to re-do processes so maintain tight focus on agreed stages and associated outcomes to protect affected residents, and the evidence needed to unlock the next stage of co-funding. A new bridge might warrant district-wide funding, but CBD improvements should receive a larger contribution from Cambridge residents.
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?
No, but the issue needs broadening to consider whether operations are also efficient, cost-effective, use productivity advances and new technology as much as possible to keep costs down.
b. If elected, would you support a review of current expenditure with a view to reducing non-essential costs and/or staffing levels?
Definitely! I’m campaigning on fixing the finances using proven successful approaches such as Whanganui Council’s 6-point strategy which delivered the lowest rates rise in the country without significantly reducing service levels – How Whanganui achieved it . It’s not simply cutting staffing levels nor trying to do everything in just 12 months. Collaborations with the community can further reduce costs.
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?
I strongly believe that our residential areas need to be attractive and liveable which implies strong urban planning, good design and amenity provisions. Achieving these are challenging under the urban intensification standards imposed by Central Government, and the RMA reforms could further erode neighbours’ protections from high-density developments.
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?
Yes I do. It’s based on the same approach as other wards which is the population of a particular community of interest. I’ve found the Maori ward councillor at our table gives us valuable insights and perspectives that help us make better decisions.
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?
I like what community boards are meant to be, but I don’t think they’ve been given enough scope and powers. If I was elected mayor, I’d ask them to take more leadership in the local implementation of projects, and use the boards to foster closer involvement of seniors, youth and migrant communities.
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?
It’s time to review holding it as Te Ara Wai is unlikely to proceed in the near future due to funding constraints. It may also take a different form than the original proposal. I’d like to see the Space Centre relocate to this location instead as a unique district attraction.
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?
I want to see Lake Karāpiro Domain remain free for residents to visit but, if necessary, would support charging something to those attending events.
Do you support further commercial development at Lake Karāpiro Domain and/or a visitors’ levy?
My priority is fixing the finances, so exploring such development isn’t. A visitor levy (not a bed tax) is definitely an alternative revenue stream I’d support.
10. Finally, what is your vision for the Waipā district? (maximum 250 words)
It’s a future where people finally think they get value for money from council which delivers the basics brilliantly. People can get on with their lives and see their community able to respond positively to the change which so is so much a part of today. Community projects grow out of community buy-in, contributed to by partners who are also committed to Waipā’s future, and where everyone feels they belong, not just those with high-paid jobs or capital resources. Growth is moderated effectively in partnership with central government.
Families with young children can afford to live here, and there are great employment opportunities locally, with agritech and AI startups preferring to locate here. The Pirongia cycleway finally got built through volunteers and is now a huge drawcard for visitors as is Māori cultural experiences within the ecological corridor.
Climate risks are managed, especially for our primary producers who still underpin so much of our economy. Healthy, vibrant lakes and waterways support amazing wildlife and our maunga are biodiversity strongholds from which radiate native birds and bats. Our seniors have asserted their rightful place in our community as generous mentors, volunteers and connectors of support, enriching all age groups. The close proximity of Waikato University and the School of Medicine means more young people undertake their studies while living in our district.
I’m ready to lead with integrity, intelligence, and heart. As mayor, I want to build a future together that reflects our values, protects our environment, and empowers our people.
