Move aside Larry, welcome Sami.
Sami, the grey church cat at the meeting
At last week’s Cambridge Grey Power “Meet the Candidates” forum, a friendly grey cat named Sami stole the show – wandering the hall, meowing his support, introducing himself to candidates and checking out the talent on offer.
Larry the Cat in front of 10 Downing St
Much like Larry, the famous feline resident of 10 Downing Street known for greeting dignitaries like Barack Obama and Donald Trump, Sami seemed to understand the importance of the occasion.
At one point, more eyes were on Sami than on the impressive array of candidates gathered in the Trinity St Paul’s Unity Parish Hall.
Sami stayed behind when his owners moved away from across the road. He had spent so much time at St Paul’s that remaining felt like the right thing to do. Now about three years old, Sami enjoys being around people – so a full house of 104 attendees and 28 candidates was perfect company.
The audience came armed with copies of our newspaper which featured candidates’ photos.
We want your vote: Grey Power Meet the Candidates
Leading up to the event, Grey Power members worried no one would show. Organiser Val Holmes said they were blown away by the turnout.
“In the past, we’ve had meetings where there were more candidates than people,” she said.
There were a few light-hearted moments, like when meeting chair Michael Cullen mistakenly called the first speaker “Stuart Reymer” – his name is actually Garry. The confusion was understandable, given the presence of Stuart Matthews, Stuart Hylton, and Stewart Dromgool.
Aidhan Camson’s name (pronounced AY-den, meaning “little fire”) at the Grey Power Meet the Candidates
Graeme Allen, a recent arrival from Hamilton, drew groans when he praised Cambridge’s low traffic. He previously worked for the former Cambridge Borough Council but assured the audience he carried no baggage.
James Slyfield, the youngest candidate at 19, called for a stronger youth voice. Other candidates advocated for greater transparency, lower rates, fewer speed humps, and a halt to pet projects.
The infamous Blue Blob – now tipped for inclusion in the Oxford Dictionary as a term for “failed community engagement in Cambridge” – was cited as the reason for Pip Kempthorne, Barry Quayle and Stuart Matthews entering the race.
“We suffered a catastrophic, organisational failure,” said Kempthorne.
“That was the tipping point – the Blue Blob, the Town Clock and the state of Lake Te Koo Utu,” said Matthews.
“Then the Long Term Plan, the mechanism for driving rates. I’m aware of what’s needed to turn this ship around,” said Quayle.
Cullen also stumbled over Aidhan Camson’s name (pronounced AY-den, meaning “little fire”), who told the audience: “council should control change before change controls us”.
Stuart Hylton lost his notes out the car window before the Grey Power Meet the Candidates. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Incumbent Roger Gordon reflected on his six years on council, saying he had enjoyed the role and wasn’t afraid to be the lone voice in opposition.
Stuart Hylton shared that his notes had blown out the car window – but he didn’t need them. Jo Davies-Colley said she had listened and learned during her six years on the community board and was ready to take the next step.
Mike Cater looked to garner support from Good Local Media when he called for the council to use local media as a tool.
“Build a strong, positive relationship with our media – have some transparency.”
Mayoral candidates wrapped up the debate – Susan O’Regan and Mike Pettit both opting to wear bright colours. O’Regan said she had always fronted up, led the reset of Cambridge Connections and listened.
Pettit, known for his team-building skills, accidentally flipped a well-known saying: “It takes a child to raise a village,” he said, drawing a few laughs from a flagging audience.
Clare St Pierre revealed she was one of 11 children and had been on committees since she was 14.
Columnist Peter Carr won the raffle during the break before audience questions, which tended to favour incumbents.
The final question came from regular The News letter writer Alan Hayward: How did Waipā accumulate $400 million in debt?
O’Regan said the debt was unsustainable, but $230 million would be transferred to the new Local Water Done Well company, and $80 million was owed in development levies.
“It will be paid back in time,” Pettit added.
Clare St Pierre at the Grey Power Meet the Candidates
Susan O’Regan at the Grey Power Meet the Candidates
Mike Pettit at the Grey Power Meet the Candidates
Meanwhile, the Kihikihi Residents and Ratepayers group hosted a well-attended meeting at the Alpha Hotel, now boasting a freshly tar-sealed frontage.
Inside, however, a mysterious squeak – possibly from pipes or within the walls – persisted throughout the two meetings. Our reporter Jesse Wood was unable to trace its source but did find there were common themes of rates, debt and transparency.
Community board candidates Jill Taylor and John Wood flank council candidates Graham Jull and Lou Brown in Kihikihi. Photo: Jesse Wood
