Current Paraparaumu-Raumati Community Board Chair Kathy Spiers has announced herself as a candidate for the Paraparaumu Ward and for the new Paraparaumu Community Board.
“I was born in Ōtaki and I have spent 60+ years living on the Kāpiti Coast. My mum was crippled with Polio from the age of 7 which meant us children did most chores. Mum taught me at a young age to care for others this is what I continue to do,” says Kathy.
She says the past three years as Chair of the Paraparaumu/Raumati Community Board has been an extremely busy one, not helped by COVID.
“Members of the Community Board have engaged and consulted with our communities, as well as holding 12 Pop-Ups across the board area during Council’s Long Term Plan 2021/4. I met many kind people of all ages, which resulted in 16 issues the Board put forward to Councillors.”
Kathy says there are many issues facing our community and council.
“Council should be involved in Social Housing through partnerships with Government, Non Government Organisations, Philanthropy, iwi and innovators with fresh ideas on supply and financing Social Housing.
“As a member of Kāpiti Health Advisory Group I continue to advocate for improved access to health services. Council needs to ensure the land at the Kāpiti Health Centre is kept for future Health Services and ensure land is available now for a Hospital in the future with huge growth expected.
“I would look at Rates priorities as many families are struggling financially with food, clothing and shelter. There are Bus Shelters needed at every bus stop, there are huge issues at the moment around the safety of children walking, cycling or scooter to school which I am working on. There is a desperate need for more footpaths.
“A Sports & Recreation Centre is needed, Te Newhanga Kāpiti Community Centre, these do not have to be fully funded by council, I am prepared to find outside funding. I have had many successes over the years. The Underpass at Paraparaumu Railway Station, Kāpiti Health Centre, Kāpiti Youth Support, Retaining the Skatepark and Maclean Park, Beach ByLaw, Public Seating, Bus Shelter and much, much more.
“I need you to please Vote for me to become a Councillor as I have always listened to our communities, set up meetings to resolve issues, care about everyone’s Wellbeing, people with disabilities, Older People, our Youth and of course we need to care for the people in between who are the parents who care for their children and their parents.
“We achieve by working together. I am standing for Council because I love the Kāpiti Coast and will represent you. A vote for me is a vote for action, not empty promises.”
