Q & A with Urban Ward candidate Crichton Christie

 We continue our series of articles featuring candidates standing in the October local body elections.

One of Whangarei’s longest-serving local body councillors has announced he will be standing for election for the WDC Urban Ward.

Crichton Christie has extensive experience as a WDC councillor in the Denby Ward (Kamo), which is now part of the enlarged Urban Ward.  While a councillor, he held various senior roles, including the chairmanship of the planning, infrastructure and finance committees.  

We had a coffee with Crichton to find out why he had decided to stand again after a six-year break. 

What do you think are the council's greatest priorities for the next three years?

The top priority is controlling rate increases. The rate rises are out of control and are causing hardship for families and businesses. I am proud of the fact that when I was Chairman of the Finance Committee, the rate increases were in line with the rate of inflation, and we had very little debt. Today, the debt servicing costs are more than $10 million and will double within five years. The current and previous councils have taken a borrow and spend approach, and now the chickens are coming home to roost. We need good financial management.

Once we have the finances under control, the next step will be setting clear and firm guidelines for staff. Staff have far too much influence over councillors. To use a canine analogy, the tail is wagging the dog.

Do you have any political affiliations?

No. I am standing as an independent and have always seen my role as an advocate for the community, not an advocate for a political ideology. Local councils should be free from party politics.

What do you think of the bus lane between Whangarei and Kamo?

It’s too soon. The money should have been spent on more important things, like fixing potholes, or not spent at all. And, if there is a problem that needs to be solved, there are other ways to do so through good road design.

The NZ Geographic Board changed the name from Kamo to Te Kamo? Do you agree with that?

Not without a mandate from the public. A sizable majority of residents were against the name change. I would have represented those views in a submission to the Board. That is consistent with my view on a range of issues, especially controversial issues like fluoridation and rate increases. The public should be engaged in local decisions, and the majority view should be respected.

The council changed the voting system from FPP to STV, without public consultation. Would you have voted for or against the change?

Against. Councillors should not decide how they are elected - that’s for the public to decide. It was a disgraceful decision and shows how little respect some councillors have for the democratic process.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being bad), how would you rate the Council’s performance?

Three and a half! Besides the financial problems, the council lacks a long-term vision for the district. I am very positive about the future. Auckland is growing north, and more people will move here to work or retire.  For key infrastructure planning, we need to look 30 to 50 years ahead, rather than react after the event, when it is more difficult and costly to put in place. That requires a strong working relationship with the other councils in Northland, good leadership, and strong lobbying in Wellington.

Why should people vote for you instead of, say, councillors Connop or Peters?

I am practical, bring experience, I get things done, and have an attitude that every dollar matters. I pride myself on being a good listener and a strong advocate in the debating chamber.  

Do you think the Council should remain a member of Local Government NZ?

 No. The $120k annual membership fee can be used better elsewhere.  We didn’t belong to it in the past, and we didn’t notice any difference then.

There are calls for rates to be capped by the central government. Do you agree?

I think councils should have a voluntary cap on rates, with adjustments to fund one-off specific items like cyclone damage, a new library, and so on. But, those one-off items should be via a targeted rate and removed once the cost has been recovered. At the moment, those things are funded from general rate increases, but never removed.  

Local iwi and hapu may be given the first right to buy any property the council has for sale, including ground leases. Do you agree with that?

No. If a ground lease property is sold, the lessee should have the first right to buy at market value before being offered to anyone else at market value.

We thank candidate Crichton for his answers (and the coffee).

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