Cromwell's candidates turn out in force

By Amanda Robertshawe.

The strength of Cromwell’s community spirit was evident at the ‘meet the candidates’ session in the Presbyterian Church Hall on Tuesday night.

200 residents turned out for a well-run, well moderated meeting to listen to 20 candidates vying for Central Otago’s Local Body authorities.

There’s no shortage of candidates in the Cromwell region, possibly due to community desire for change, given the tone of the community questions, as well as many similar sentiments expressed by candidates.

Clearly there is concern for protecting the environment and the quality of life for future generations. There were several references during the evening to affordability, especially for the grandchildren of current residents. Would they be able to live in Cromwell in the future?

The Cromwell Community Board has attracted ten candidates. Only four will be successful, the balance of three board members will be appointed by Central Otago District Council.

The continual rise in rates over recent years was one of the evening’s main themes, as well as Councils’ staffing levels and expenditure.

The quality of life in communities, as a result of growth, and the rapid increase in Cromwell’s population, is also on the community’ collective mind.

Otago Regional Council candidate, Neil Gillespie, standing in the Dunstan ward, raised the issue of water quality, specifically sediment build up in Lake Dustan and the discharge of waste-water into the region’s rivers. These comments were the only time the audience broke into spontaneous applause

Incumbent Community Board chair, Anna Harrison, wants Cromwell’s voice to be heard around the Central Otago District Council table. She’s determined that the needs of the growing and changing Cromwell population are met to ensure the quality of life in the community.

• Anna Harrison wants Cromwell’s voice to be heard around the Central Otago District Council table.

As with all community board candidates, rising rates are of concern to Bill Sanders as well as losing control of the district’s water assets.

For Rebecca Anderson, problems arising from the rapid growth of Cromwell as well as the provision of adequate sports fields, without surrendering the Anderson Park sports ground, were two points in her sights for the next term of the Community Board.

Candidate Garry Kirk says he would bring governance skills to the Community Board and would not waste ‘time’ on consultants. Kirk also wants ‘proper consultation’ with the community when it comes to local authority decisions.

Wally Sanford resorted to a euphemism, “I can stay in my lane” to describe his experience after spending a term on the Community Board.

Haemia Melling, the only candidate to mihi in Te Reo, said opening her recent rates bill was an ‘horrific experience’ but the main emphasis of her address was communication with the community.

Another after a seat on the Community Board, Travis Muir, promoted Cromwell as a great place to live while Bill Sanders promoted the Community Board’s responsibility for looking after the community as well as having a strong voice on the Council.

Two candidates, Mike Casey and Gerald Duncan, sent their apologies to the meeting.