It is a four-way race for the mayoralty in the Clutha district.
With much angst over reforms and changes, it could be an interesting race. The Otago Daily Times talks to the four people seeking the mayoral chains in South Otago.
Passionate about Clutha and helping locals
Bryan Cadogan
Bryan Cadogan.
Age: 62
Occupation: Clutha Mayor
Marital status: Married to Allyson for 39 years, two adult children, Paula and Sam.
1. What is your connection to the Clutha district?
I’ve lived in the Clutha district all my life, and my diverse background of working at Finegand, shearing, being a farmer, selling real estate, owning a business, and the privilege of being Clutha mayor has given me a balanced insight into the needs of our whole district. Coming into politics seemed a natural progression, as I really enjoyed volunteering and getting involved in my community. I love working with people, and being mayor has allowed me to follow my passions like helping unemployed locals, or fighting for our district when challenges arise.
Are you or have you been within the past five years an active member of any political, protest or other activist movement or party? How might that influence your activities and ambitions as mayor?
I have never been an active member of a political party or been in protests — though I’ve got close to starting a few — especially over the fight for the Roxburgh Children’s Village and our battles to save Telford Farm.
Why are you standing for mayor?
I am standing for mayor because I firmly believe that the challenges we face in the coming term demand strong leadership and experience. We are about to be bombarded from Wellington with endless reforms and, on a local front, there are real challenges with staff shortages and inflation, along with so many projects to deliver while continuing to contain costs. I have the track record and leadership experience on a national front to promote Clutha’s needs.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Clutha during the next three years, and how can it be solved?
Despite all the misinformation and confusion regarding Three Waters reforms, we are just entering the most challenging phase. Like many, I was furious when central government cruelly wrenched the process away from councils last October, denying us meaningful engagement with our communities. I was proud, however, when local government regathered from this setback, that I was chosen to lead the response on behalf of all rural communities. To now see that decision vindicated in the changes that have all rural water schemes either excluded from the reforms or having the mechanisms to conduct a referendum to take private control gives me confidence to continue to fight for the best outcomes in an incredibly complex and difficult environment. I want to continue to lead a council that is highly functional and responsive to our district’s needs.
We continually consult our communities, but our real strength is that we then act on the will of the majority and have the courage to make those hard decisions. I want to expand on Jobbortunities’ success. Over the years, I have assisted hundreds of locals into work, but our economy requires even greater focus and innovative thinking along with promoting housing, and facilitating positive and proactive responses. But, most importantly, I want to finish what I started. To passionately promote Clutha as a great place to live, work, and thrive. To establish the necessary framework and facilities to allow our communities to flourish. To fight for what is best for Clutha, and to use every ounce of my skill and experience to do what is right for Clutha. Onwards and upwards.
Need seen for more transparent council
Bruce Graham
Bruce Graham.
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired engineering supervisor
Marital status: Married to Leona with two adult stepchildren and three grandchildren
1. What is your connection to the Clutha district?
I was born in Clyde and shifted to Milton at the age of 12, attending Tokomairiro High School. Upon leaving school I took an apprenticeship in Milton with Alliance Textiles as a fitter-turner. I moved to Balclutha in 1980, working for Morgan O’Shea and then Duffy Engineering. In 1995 I moved to Kaitangata, and in 2012 we purchased a lifestyle block and moved to Lovells Flat. In 2010 I became the Kaitangata/Matau ward councillor and have held this position since then, along with council duties. I have spent the past 4.5 years as chair of the service delivery committee, and the past six years as the council-appointed rep to the regional transport committee.
2. Are you or have you been within the past five years an active member of any political, protest or other activist movement or party? How might that influence your activities and ambitions as mayor?
I have never belonged to any political, protest or activist movement.
3. Why are you standing for mayor?
I am standing for mayor as I believe that it is time for change. Having been on council for 12 years I see a need for it to be more transparent, and to listen to the people for the betterment of their community and our district as a whole. I want to regain the trust of the people of the Clutha district.
4. What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Clutha during the next three years, and how can it be solved?
Over the next three years the Clutha district is going to have many challenges, some larger than others, including central government reforms, our environment, development, housing and roading, just to name a few. Central government reforms are potentially the largest issue. To tackle these, we as a council need to regain the trust from the people within our community, so that we can stay in the conversation to ensure the best outcome. This trust can be gained by listening and informing the people of the Clutha district.
Inclusivity, climate key issues
Chris McDonald
Chris McDonald.
Age: 40
Occupation: Self-employed picture framer and graphic designer
Marital status: Single with no children
1. What is your connection to the Clutha district?
I was born in Dunedin and grew up in Mosgiel. I have been living and working in Milton since 2014 when I shifted from Wellington to take over a picture framing business, as well as continuing my work as a freelance graphic designer. My parents moved to Milton in 2004 and have operated their own business in the town since.
2. Are you or have you been within the past five years an active member of any political, protest or other activist movement or party? How might that influence your activities and ambitions as mayor?
While I am not an active member nor have had any affiliations with political, protest or activist movements in the last five years, I do take a strong stance against racism and discrimination. I want to make sure our communities are inclusive and supportive of each other.
3. Why are you standing for mayor?
I am standing for mayor because I think it’s time for a fresh face, fresh thinking and especially fresh ears to help the council do better at listening to, and engaging with, our communities.
4. What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Clutha during the next three years, and how can it be solved?
I think there are a couple of really big issues that we need to be looking at: growth in our district and climate change.
While it’s exciting to see new building projects pop up, we need to ensure we have infrastructure in place first to meet current need as well as future demand.
Practical steps also need to be taken now to mitigate the effects of climate change — steps like properly maintaining existing flood prevention measures, to help protect our communities from adverse weather events as best we can.
We need to be working closely with the Otago Regional Council to make sure ponding areas and wetland restoration are happening around the areas where we are growing. I’m not sure either of these big issues can be solved in three years, but we need to do more than talk and put plans into action to help future-proof the Clutha.
Three Waters seen as main issue
Gail Oats
Gail Oats.
Age: 62
Occupation: Gardener
Marital status: Single, no children
1. What is your connection to the Clutha district?
Childhood connection through many happy days spent at my great aunt and uncle’s [Taieri Mouth] farm, I’m a ratepayer going on for 20 years, lived here for 17 years.
2. Are you or have you been within the past five years an active member of any political, protest or other activist movement or party? How might that influence your activities and ambitions as mayor?
I am a member and supporter of both Groundswell and the NZ Taxpayers’ Union this year. This has no influence on me, but we have common ground in that we are all opposed to Three Waters, and deeply concerned about the lack of local council ratepayer consultation.
3. Why are you standing for mayor?
The co-operation of the present Clutha District Council with the Government, concerning the Three Waters legislation and lack of ratepayer consultation, is unacceptable. The budget blowouts of projects are unacceptable. Examples: that civic building blocking our view of our bridge, and the planning of the Milton swimming pool. I’m not sure which budget blowout each of those have reached at this stage, but budget blowouts are their hallmarks.
4. What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Clutha during the next three years, and how can it be solved?
Three Waters. We leave LGNZ, then alongside 31 other councils in this country, join Local Government for Democracy in opposing the Three Waters legislation.
