Hope Spooner – 2025
Hope Spooner – 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?
No, I was not yet aware
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?
No, I do not agree. I do believe that council has backed themselves, and by default their communities, into a corner with their out of control spending. Borrowing to pay loans only works if spending is reduced overall.
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?
No I do not support the direction and priorities of 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?
Waipā District Council is tasked with producing a “District Plan” That is the only one that should be used to shape the next three years.
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?
No
b. How should costs and impacts be managed to ensure fairness to ratepayers and affected communities?
When any costs or severe impacts are involved then the community with which it affects should also be heavily involved and not just in a box ticking exercise for example – does the community agree with the plans? Is it something the community wants or has even asked for? Is it within an acceptable budget? If the answers are no then the fair thing is to reject the project all together.
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, definitely not!
b. If elected, would you support a review of current expenditure with a view to reducing non-essential costs and/or staffing levels?
Yes, I would absolutely support a review.
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?
Firstly, who decided that we need to enable greater housing intensification? And secondly the principles should be guided on a needs by need basis. Currently we have many sections unable to be sold therefore I believe it unnecessary to further push housing intensification and density in the first place.
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 support the democratic right for the people to vote, as it is not my place to solely decide if there is or isn’t a Māori ward.
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?
So far I have not personally been privy to how effectively the community board has represented the community views but I do believe the board is valuable in keeping the community connected to the council. I would not support any changes to their roles or powers at this stage.
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?
Council needs to rid rate payers of the increasing debt with which that building is causing – either sell it or find someone that will lease it and if neither of those are an option then initiate a new business opportunity to finance the lease costings.
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?
No, I would not support further commercial development and I would not support the charging of those visiting Lake Karāpiro.
10. Finally, what is your vision for the Waipā district? (maximum 250 words)
My Vision for the Waipā district would be to have it return more to the beautiful way it once was. I would like to see our streets and roads flowing, less congestion, clean lakes and most importantly happy residents that feel valued, understood and listened too and I would like them to love living in a district they can afford to live in and get real value from their council. No more pretty projects, just beautiful Waipā as it once was and core services done well!
