In the first of three Q&As with our council candidates ahead of this year’s local body elections, Mountain Scene asks questions of the Arrowtown-Kawarau ward candidates

Daniel Duvnjak

Response not received by deadline

Craig ‘Ferg’ Ferguson, 64, broadcaster

Why are you standing? To have a link to continuity as we head into this very challenging and critical three years. It is getting harder to make local decisions for our local people and communities, so we must continue the fight. [There is] a lot of unfinished community work still to do.

What are your thoughts on Ladies Mile development? I understand council’s desire, I have been consistent at every stop we have had at Ladies Mile. I’ve attended nearly all the meetings. A perfect storm is brewing! Eighty-odd percent of residents were opposed. I was the only one to side with them.

How will you look after the best interests of Arrowtown, specifically? I have worked hard with former Arrowtown councillors Perkins, Stevens and Copland, over the years, to support the village on many issues. That will continue. I am a strong advocate for our smaller communities. I was nominated by an Arrowtown resident, that says it all.

Would you support a local takeover of public transport (Orbus) to improve services? Why/why not? Yes. A lot of work would need to be done. I have seen first hand the attitude of ORC to our region and residents and we deserve much better. We don’t need a rotten apple in a box with the good ones! We need to get rid of it.

What barriers do you believe need to be overcome to fully diversify Queenstown’s economy? A lot of work has been done. It is going to take time and the bringing together of initiatives and plans the community has contributed to. The private sector and government are crucial partners. The economic development unit must be supported to connect, support and enable in all areas of diversification. We have started the journey – we must be an aspirational, liveable destination and that work is not done yet.

Lisa Guy, 56, human resource strategist consultant

Why are you standing? People, productivity, place – my stand is serious; my preparation began at our by-election. Ensuring I act in integrity. Doing the mahi, getting to grips with local conditions, the job of a councillor, my value fit and commitment to make a difference. Giving back to this extraordinary place and people.

What are your thoughts on Ladies Mile development? Building community is imperative for Ladies Mile. I’m inspired by what can be created for people living here, new schools, community facilities, connectivity to infrastructure. I’ll take a big picture approach that seeks to prioritise liveability. Ensuring we make the most of this opportunity without wrecking the place.

How will you look after the best interests of Arrowtown, specifically? Arrowtown is my family turangawaewae, our standing place. Thirty local, my awa, this river. Our community is precious. It takes a village to raise an adult, not to bring one up but to lift one up, I’m grateful I live here. I’ll act with care for our future together.

Would you support a local takeover of public transport (Orbus) to improve services? Why/why not? I’m in full support of local control of public transport. Queenstown’s public transport needs are not prioritised by Otago Regional Council. We can be innovative, focused on addressing local conditions. We have transport designed for visitors not residents/commuters. We must enable 40% transport mode shift by 2030 to reach sustainability targets.

What barriers do you believe need to be overcome to fully diversify Queenstown’s economy? Finding staff is the single biggest factor limiting growth for Queenstown (Chamber Business Confidence Survey). Where do they live when here? We are already a diversified economy that warrants recognition beyond tourism and hospitality. The scope of industries represented here is more than some candidates acknowledge – tech, film, engineering, professional services, consulting, fashion, global recruitment, design, artists, architecture, construction, all managing world-wide significance from our little global hub. Let’s remove barriers to sustainable, affordable living.

Nell Hunter, 31, business owner

Nell Hunter Queenstown Lakes District Council – Councillors candidate.

Why are you standing? I’m standing because I feel a disconnect between the people and leaders – we need to reconnect. Our council must represent our community and therefore must listen to locals and hear their concerns. That’s not happening.

What are your thoughts on Ladies Mile development? The Ladies Mile development is an example of good long-term planning. Council showed good initiative by considering the long-term needs of all stakeholders. I would like to see the same principles applied to other areas, such as the southern corridor.

How will you look after the best interests of Arrowtown, specifically? Arrowtown is my home and where my children are growing up. The best way I can serve my neighbourhood is by connecting with our people and listening to what’s going on. I’m hearing concerns about neighbourhood safety, air pollution and urban boundary growth.

Would you support a local takeover of public transport (Orbus) to improve services? Why/why not? The buses are not working as well as they could. I support local control of buses provided there is a good business case. It’s our commuters that know our roads best and should decide how they are run. It’s important that efforts to improve bus services aren’t considered a substitute for good roads and parking.

What barriers do you believe need to be overcome to fully diversify Queenstown’s economy? Queenstown-Lakes is an amazing place to live, attracting internationally-renowned people with expertise and connections in many industries. Provided we don’t get in the way, they will build and diversify the Queenstown economy. The council’s role is to ensure that it is doing the basics right, making sure that new dwellings are being built that can accommodate families and staff, and allowing that people can move around in ways that work for them.

Neeta Shetty, 48, self-employed

PHOTO: QLDC-SHETTY Neeta.jpg NEETA SHETTY candidate profile mayor and councillor local body election 2022 Council: Queenstown Lakes District Council. Ward: Arrowtown-Kawarau. Age: 48. Occupation: Self-employed.

Why are you standing? I am here as a parent, a business owner and a passionate community member. I am standing because I believe our community and businesses must be at the centre of our decisions to protect the integrity of our environment. I am entirely committed to accountability and transparency, as it is the only way to build public trust.

What are your thoughts on Ladies Mile development? Large-scale developments without first prioritising our infrastructure defies prudence and rationality. I do not condone developing our greenfields unless we have fully developed our town centres and existing centres. This piecemeal approach to development is frustrating and not conducive to how we can manage our exponential and inevitable growth.

How will you look after the best interests of Arrowtown, specifically? Having attended the mayoral forum, what stood out was the frustration that Arrowtown residents have on issues that can be resolved NOW. While the disconnect from council is felt in our townships, Arrowtown’s issues must be addressed, as a lot of it ties in with our commitment to climate change. I am here to listen and action, as some of the issues can be resolved expeditiously. I can assure Arrowtown residents the integrity of the town is an important issue for me. I am willing to voice all the issues that I heard at the forum, and prioritise the needs of Arrowtown.

Would you support a local takeover of public transport (Orbus) to improve services? Why/why not? If local companies can demonstrate they can provide an efficient, reliable and accessible public transport system, then yes. We need to look at a robust public transport system that can alleviate congestion.

What barriers do you believe need to be overcome to fully diversify Queenstown’s economy? Accountability and transparency, so we can unequivocally trust the council is acting in the best interests of the community, in order to protect the integrity of our environment. QLDC has been underwhelming in its approach of putting the community and our businesses at the centre of its decision-making process. When community-based investments are compromised, a loss of community is experienced. We must nurture our richly diverse environment and leave a legacy for future generations.

Melissa White, 44, small business owner

Why are you standing? I am standing for a position on council because I care deeply what happens to the district. I believe that we live in one of the best places in the world and I would like to be part of a team that helps shape the future growth and development.

What are your thoughts on Ladies Mile development? My largest concern regarding the Ladies Mile development is the lack of carparking requirements in certain areas and the building height allowances. I also strongly believe that the roading infrastructure around this area needs to be improved and in place prior to any development starting.

How will you look after the best interests of Arrowtown, specifically? I would do my best to look after the best interests of each area of the district. I live in Lake Hayes Estate and have first-hand knowledge of the everyday issues facing the residents here. Making researched informed decisions to maximise long-term benefits to all areas is a goal of mine.

Would you support a local takeover of public transport (Orbus) to improve services? Why/why not? Yes, I would support a local takeover to improve public transport services. I believe that we have a long way to go to ensure a reliable and realistic alternative to private use cars. This is something that I am very passionate about.

What barriers do you believe need to be overcome to fully diversify Queenstown’s economy? I believe the largest barrier to diversification of the local economy is around attracting and retaining workers. At present, we do not have enough people to fill current vacancies. The cost of living in Queenstown, specifically accommodation, is a massive deterrent to those considering moving or staying long-term. To be able to diversify, we first need to meet the current demand to ensure we can support diversification.

Upcoming candidate forums

● Catalyst Trust mayoral candidate forum, Tuesday, September 13, Wakatipu High School, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free to attend, any koha going to Wakatipu High School’s Awhi Fund. Registrations required via bit.ly/3csIofs

● Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce meet the QLDC council and mayoral candidates, Wednesday, September 14, Queenstown Events Centre, 6pm-8.30pm. ‘‘Speed networking’’ with council candidates from 6pm till 7pm, followed by mayoral panel discussion. Free to attend, registration essential via bit.ly/3CGK6on

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