Stuart Kneebone – 2025
Stuart Kneebone – Waikato Regional Council
See: Candidates in their own words
Do you support the use of 1080 to combat pests? (50 words) and what is the biggest threat to our native flora and fauna and how should the regional council tackle it? (50 words)
What is the biggest threat to our native flora and fauna, and how should the regional council tackle it (50 words)?
Yes – currently our only cost effective option for difficult terrain at scale. Biggest threats are introduced plant and animal pests. Everyone has a role – it’s about working together in partnership. WRC needs to be out in front, demonstrating leadership, supporting communities and undertaking its responsibilities effectively under the Biosecurity Act.
Waikato River and several lakes in Waipā-King Country – including Te Koo Utu and Ngā Roto – face water quality concerns.
What would you like to see done about those issues? (50 words)
Working with the community to implement “The Vision & Strategy” for the Waikato & Waipa rivers. Prioritising our resources in a structured way to restore our rivers, lakes and catchments, working with communities and funders to prioritise restoration efforts. Along with a fit for purpose & supportive regulatory framework.
Do you support Plan Change One? (50 words)
Yes, but not the drawn out RMA process. It’s hopelessly frustrating & costly. We need affordable & workable regulations to support good farmers, however the original intent of PC1 has being undermined by litigious processes. Both WRC and farmers are now bound by the environment courts eventual decision.
The regional council is responsible for providing and improving public transport services and investing in long-term planning. Can the regional council be doing this better and if so, who should pay for it, ratepayers, users or partnerships? (50 words)
It’s about continuous improvement and engaging with public transport users to understand their needs and expectations, integrating public transport into our everyday lives. We all benefit to varying degrees, so funding mechanisms need to reflect that. So a mix of user pays, some ratepayer and Central Govt via NZTA.
Several district councils and Hamilton city are growth councils. How can the regional council balance the need for urban growth with the protection of highly productive land? (50 words)
It’s about ensuring WRC’s policies that seek to protect highly productive land are developed alongside constructive dialogue with the district councils in order that both organisations understand each others respective obligations and growth predictions/needs. Good forward planning is essential, complemented by modern urban planning and design.
Climate change resulting in extreme weather events increases fire risk, rising tides and impacts on our flora and fauna. Is the regional council doing enough to manage and prepare for this? (50 words)
It’s an ongoing work programme to integrate climate adaptation planning into our various workstreams. The impacts of climate change affect everyone so the council needs to be front footing this work, and working with territorial authorities, the ag sector and the community to ensure our adaptation approaches are planned and effective.
What more could the regional council be doing to manage the region’s waste? (50 words)
Nearly 60% of household waste sent to landfill could be recycled or composted. We need to encourage the community and promote opportunities to avoid waste in the first place. The concept of a “circular economy” where resources are kept in use as long as possible is fundamental to minimising waste.
Organisations like Waikato Chamber of Commerce are calling for widespread local body amalgamation.
Do you support that call and if so, what Waikato local authorities would you want to amalgamate with? (50 words)
The smaller councils in particular should be seriously thinking about amalgamating. But I’m not convinced that one big Waikato wide council is the solution. Districts need their identity and focal points. All Waikato councils should be working together more, seeking opportunities to work together and share services to improve efficiency.
What is your view on
(a) rates capping and (b) linking rates to an inflation index (100 words)
Both are blunt tools I don’t support. Inflation indexes don’t always correlate to stuff councils do. There is a real risk that rates capping would severely impact our ability to fund critical work such as flood protection, natural hazard management, biosecurity, pest control and other important responsibilities that in my view we can’t afford to skimp on. We’d be better served by some transparent dialogue with Govt and community about what they want/expect from councils, along with an honest and frank discussion about realistic, fair and fit for purpose funding mechanisms.
What would you do to help people engage more in local government (50 words)
It’s challenging, as we are all busy. We need to be continually exploring more effective ways to engage with communities. We need to be continually identifying what areas of council work the community are interested in so we can afford them the opportunity to share their views and be heard.
Finally, why should people vote for you to be their representative on Waikato Regional Council’s Waipā-King Country constituency? (100 words)
I’m friendly and approachable and understand the role of the regional council and how its various responsibilities impact on people and the community. I’m passionate about the work of the regional council, and bring experience to the role of councillor. I understand how the local government system works, and how to effect change when required. I’ve been a self employed farmer since I left school, so I understand how life works in the real world. My approach is considered and evidence based and I’m a team player. I enjoy serving the community, and making a difference.
