At several recent candidates meetings, candidates for Kāpiti Council have talked about the need to reset the relationship with Greater Wellington Regional Council in order to achieve the change that Kāpiti needs on public transport, flood control and other issues.
In the Mayoral debate hosted by the Waikanae Club candidate Rob McCann told the audience that the best thing they could do to ensure KCDC and GWRC worked well together was to vote for GWRC Kāpiti candidate Asher Wilson-Goldman, as KCDC needed a partner who would turn up to meetings when asked, and work alongside KCDC to find solutions. Fellow candidates Martin Halliday and Michelle Lewis concurred. Other mayoral candidates Murray Lobb and Chris Mitchell have also spoken highly of Wilson-Goldman and of the importance of the building a stronger relationship with Greater Wellington.
Asher Wilson-Goldman says he has been very encouraged by the overwhelmingly supportive response from candidates and the public.
“We need KCDC and GWRC’s Kāpiti councillor to be working closely together, presenting a united stance on issues to regional and central government.
“I’m committed to meeting regularly with KCDC councillors and our community boards as one part of my efforts to engage with all of our Kāpiti communities and bring their voices to Wellington,” Asher says.
Rob McCann reiterated his point at Wednesday night’s It’s In The Ballot mayoral debate, saying, “I think we are completely under-served on the Greater Wellington Regional Council where we don’t have someone who engages with us as elected members. There is so much that needs to be done with GWRC, so I’ve got a big shout-out for Asher, who’s been cleaning up on stage, the people in the audience have noticed that and certainly we as candidates have seen that, when he’s had the opportunity to demonstrate his knowledge and experience, and what he will be able to do.”
Former GW regional councillor Nigel Wilson (no relation) says the relationship between the two councils has never been more important than now with so many issues overlapping.
“It has been clear throughout this campaign that Asher Wilson-Goldman has been by far the most impressive regional council candidate and that appears to be the opinion of the vast majority of candidates for all positions and the many hundreds of the public who have attended meetings.
“Asher has the knowledge, the energy, and the willingness to authentically engage with the Kāpiti community that is needed for the next three years. It is easy to see why he is so wholehearted endorsed.”
