Dave Marinkovich – 2025
Dave Marinkovich – 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?
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?
I do agree with this approach provided it is managed correctly. Many households are feeling the pressure of the cost of living and very unhappy with sharp rate increases. Therefore, keeping rates increases as low as possible is important but so is maintaining essential services and continuing key infrastructure projects. This approach allows for both but should focus on funding assets and growth as well as identifying and cutting non-essential costs to ensure there is a return to surplus as soon as possible.
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?
Yes, I think it’s a good starting point for guiding the Waipa District into the future to ensure it remains a great place to live work and play
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?
By regularly engaging with residents and stakeholders, prioritizing projects and outcomes based on need that balance cost, impact and community benefit. Monitoring progress, being transparent and adjusting the plan where appropriate to reflect changing factors over time.
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, a big picture long term vision allows for future focused planning. In doing this we can plan and prioritise key infrastructure projects over the long term to spread out the cost and ease the burden on ratepayers. I particularly like the clear indication from early on to get the public involved in the project.
b. How should costs and impacts be managed to ensure fairness to ratepayers and affected communities?
I don’t think ratepayers need to be left with the bill for everything, it’s not sustainable. I would support and advocate for looking into alternative funding models particularly for larger more expensive projects.
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, I don’t believe they are, a view which I am very confident many ratepayers also share.
b. If elected, would you support a review of current expenditure with a view to reducing non-essential costs and/or staffing levels?
100%, reviewing of expenditure and cutting non-essential costs is the cornerstone of every business and household in the country. Council should be no different.
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?
Higher density housing should respect local character and be built close to easy to access facilities and services that the owners/tenants will require e.g. shops, medical centers, schools, workplaces, public transport. They should also be built close to capable, existing infrastructure to reduce costs.
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?
Council have voted to keep the Māori Ward for the next term. The decision beyond that is now for the community not future councillors. A binding poll will give everyone the chance to have their say. If elected I’ll fully respect that outcome.
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?
The Cambridge Community board has done a great job. If the community puts the right people in I’m sure they’ll carry on that great work representing the public and giving council valuable advice. I don’t see any need to change their role and powers.
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?
This building is currently a financial burden on ratepayers. If a reliable revenue stream cannot be put in place very quickly to cover costs then it should be sold.
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?
Yes, I would support smart future development of Lake Karapiro. This could offer revenue streams to council without having to charge at the gate. A non-negotiable for development would be that it adds value and makes it a better place for locals and visitors, not worse.
10. Finally, what is your vision for the Waipā district? (maximum 250 words)
My vision for Waipa is simple and doesn’t revolve around any single concept or project. It will be achieved by working together and doing the simple things right. I want it to be a connected, thriving and resilient community where people of all ages can live, work and play. A district where locals are proud to call home and a place where people love to visit. Most importantly I believe we have a responsibility to do what we can to leave Waipa a better place than we found it
