Candidate’s style would be ‘different’

Clutha mayoral candidate Jock Martin says he is confident he can turn around a council whose water services he once memorably described as "piss poor".

The incumbent Lawrence ward councillor announced his candidacy for the top seat on deadline day, opening a two-horse mayoral race with current deputy mayor Ken Payne.

Mr Martin acknowledged he had spoken out frankly about council services in the past, and said it reflected what would be a "very different" style of leadership from outgoing five-term mayor Bryan Cadogan and mayoral challenger Mr Payne.

"I say it how I see it, and move on. It’s about keeping the emotion to one side and the business at the centre. We need a resilient council that asks the hard questions in order to deliver the outcomes that ratepayers want.

"Our district is facing tough times. Costs are rising, budgets are tight and people are demanding better value from council. I’ve listened, and I’m ready to lead."

Alluding to Mr Payne’s self-description as a "steady pair of hands", Mr Martin said that would not be enough to address the "horrific" challenges facing the council.

"A steady pair of hands won’t divert the train wreck of debt that’s heading our way.

"We need first to challenge staff to contain spiralling debt, then to find efficiencies, then deliver on time and on budget."

The Waitahuna born-and-bred shearing contractor said businesses were judged on their ability to deliver reliably, efficiently and on time.

"My wife Marie and I have been running our business for 37 years, and you succeed by taking ownership and through good communication.

"If you say you’re going to do something, you stand by your word and you do it."

He believed improving internal communications would be key to running a successful council.

"The mayor needs to spend time with councillors to understand what’s happening on the ground, then convey that clearly to the chief executive to ensure the best outcomes are achieved.

"Sometimes that means challenging tradition, thinking strategically and applying common sense."

In April, Mr Martin revealed he had been addressed with a racist slur in a threatening voicemail about rates relief for Māori land.

He said negativity would not discourage him from reaching out to the community or, where necessary, making unpopular decisions.

"The community also needs to help council by taking greater ownership of decision-making. I’ve been surprised by the lack of engagement during some of our consultations.

"There are many more beautiful people out there than the occasional rogue person with a poor attitude. We need to engage the silent majority, and demonstrate that when we say we’re going to do something, we deliver."

richard.davison@odt.co.nz