The Otago Daily Times is profiling mayoral candidates in Otago's heartland. Today, Helena de Reus talks to Hamish Anderson, standing in Clutha.
Why are you standing for mayor?
''I am standing for mayor because of encouragement from the public and councillors I work with. A desire to see the district grow, prosper and be more vibrant are motivating reasons to stand. To achieve these ends I will use my leadership and governance skills combined with my academic qualification (BComAg in management) to lead a council focused on making good, fact-based decisions which will deliver good outcomes for all residents of our district. I will concentrate on highlighting the many positive aspects of our district and the opportunity that we have here.''
Will you be a full-time mayor and why?
''Yes, I will perform all the duties required of the mayor, irrespective of the time commitment. My current occupation and council involvement requires me to have a very high level of time management and organisational skill.
I will, on being elected, alter my staff and management structures so as to be able to dedicate myself to the task of being mayor. This will probably be, at best, cost neutral or actually cost me slightly in income terms, but I am not standing for mayor to get an income. I am standing so I can use my skills to deliver benefit to the district which is my home and yours.''
What position do you think the district is in?
''The district is in a relatively good position. We have low unemployment, a growing per-capita GDP and an agricultural base which turns grass protein into animal protein which is processed in our district and those products are in demand in the world. The latest business confidence survey is largely positive with signs of growth within Clutha businesses.
We can and will do better with the Clutha Development Trust and council playing pivotal roles in attracting business but more importantly, concentrating on what we do well - primary production, small to medium businesses and destination marketing and tourism.''
What are three issues facing this council and why?
''Roading - we must push our case based on facts for equitable government funding for this. Roading is essential for rural-based businesses to function and prosper. Our country makes its money in rural communities.
Rates are something we all pay. Council must make sure your rating investment gives a positive return which adds to the quality of your lives and value and vibrancy of the district.
Council must provide basic services such as water, sewerage, solid waste and livability requirements, such as pools, recreation centres and main street upgrades, which people want while balancing people's wants and needs and their ability to pay.''
What would be one thing you would like to have achieved by the end of your term, and why?
''As a farmer, each year I want to see my farm improving and over time for it to be better than when I started. My vision is very similar for the Clutha district and my efforts over the last 12 years have been to these ends. At the end of my term, if the Clutha district is more economically and socially vibrant, and livability aspects have been enhanced which will make people want to live, work and play here, if this is done while maximising the people's return for their rates investment, then I will be more than pleased.''
