I have lived on the Kāpiti Coast for the last 20 years. My husband Bob (a marine advocate working for WWF) and I have enjoyed raising our three daughters in this beautiful coastal environment and family-friendly, creative community. We spent many hours in the outdoors, enjoying the area’s special qualities.
A science teacher by background, I have been with Te Ra Waldorf Primary School since its inception in 1996 as a teacher/parent/trustee and as a principal for the last 10 years. This has provided me with many people, management, and governance skills. I have learned to hold on to the bigger picture in difficult times and to problem solve and prioritise resources out of clear and transparent principles.
My core principles:
A new Council will have to find a way of becoming a collaborative team to deal with the complex issues facing the region, such as water supply, lack of recreational facilities, uncontrolled growth, and the overtaxing of our communities. It must promote sustainable development of affordable services and infrastructure, preserving and developing the area’s special qualities.
The proposed expressway would have a devastating impact on the whole of Kāpiti. It is a sad example of local social, cultural, and environmental values being sacrificed for a perceived “national interest”. A sustainable and affordable solution is available the local Western Link Road, for which the Kāpiti Coast has waited so long, in conjunction with an upgrade of the existing Highway 1 and continued improvement of public transport. This offers the progress and connectivity our district deserves without destruction.