My Account
I am a farmer and company director from Ruawai. I have lived in Kaipara virtually all my life with my wife, Ann Flood. We have four adult children. Over the years I have had a number of governance roles with both large commercial organisations and local committees, such as chair of the Board of Trustees at Ruawai School.
What will be the biggest challenge for the new mayor?
The biggest issue is the balance required between reducing Kaipara’s debt burden, while maintaining and renewing infrastructure.
What will be the priorities for the new Council?
The priorities will be getting Councillors well trained for their role, then agreeing a set of priorities, discussing those with communities and then getting on with the job. A plan for the long-term growth in Mangawhai will also be a high priority.
Why are you standing?
I was chairman of the three-person Review Team that led to Councillors resigning and the Commissioners being put in their place. That gave me a unique insight into Council, particularly around the systemic failure of governance. I do not want us to slip back into the hole that we have spent the last four years climbing out of.
What skills can you offer?
I have been a company director for the last 20 years and have a wide range of governance experience that I can offer to Kaipara. The role of Mayor will require me to reduce my current portfolio which I am prepared to do. I was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to governance in 2012.
