West Coast-Tasman must stop regional decline, election candidates say
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Putting a stop to regional decline was a prevailing theme delivered by West Coast-Tasman’s hopeful candidates during an election debate.
Six candidates voiced their policies for a small crowd in Motueka on Friday, with the focus often turning to national issues.
The first question posed to the candidates by Grey Power Motueka, who hosted the meeting, asked what the main challenge was for the region over the next three years.
Labour’s Damien O’Connor, the current MP for West Coast-Tasman, said the region needed further investment in housing, while also addressing inequality and healthcare issues and improving resilient infrastructure.
“If we don’t have that, then people feel very exposed and feel insecure, and that undermines the value of collectivity within our community. Generally, in small communities like this, we work really well, but we’re stretched for resources.”
He also asked voters to consider Labour’s performance in the region over the last six years rather than the messages coming from opposition parties.
“Please judge us and judge me on my record, not on the rhetoric that we have heard.”
Maureen Pugh, National’s challenger and a current list MP in parliament, said an exodus of young people was a driving factor for regional decline and without a strong economy, they would keep leaving.
“We need to focus on our young people, break that dependence on welfare support, get them into work training, upskilling, and get them into paid employment. There is ample opportunity in this area for young people to be working.”
Patrick Phelps, an independent candidate and current Westland District councillor, also highlighted the region’s decline as a critical issue but said that he could truly deliver as he wasn’t also beholden to a party.
“We’re in the fortunate position as an electorate where we’ve got two outstanding MPs in Damien O’Connor and Maureen Pugh who’ll both be in parliament after the election anyway because of the party list system,” he said.
“[West Coast-Tasman] needs independent representation in parliament where the person representing you, their loyalties lie only with you – the people living in the region.”
Inequality was Green Party candidate Steve Richard’s main concern for not only the region, but the country, and reiterated the Greens’ proposed wealth tax which he said would have flow-on effects to help address other issues like crime and homelessness.
“It all comes back to money, there’s plenty of it, if we can just share it more evenly.”
Outdoors and Freedom Party co-leader Sue Grey said the region needed to overcome divisive rhetoric and return to grassroots and local approaches to dealing with issues.
“We have to find ourselves again, and we can, we just need a change in leadership that gives us that inspiration.”
Richard Osmaston, leader of the Money Free Party, used the meeting to reiterate his position that money was the root of all troubles plaguing the country.
“We are never going to fix the multiple problems that we have today for all the time we have a monetary system.”
ACT’s Kelly Lilley, New Zealand First’s Jackie Farrelly, and New Zealand Loyal’s Sebastian Marinkovich were not able to attend.
* Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
🚧 Big upgrades are on the way for Haast!
Motorists travelling on SH6 near Haast should be ready for some delays, with $5 million worth of work kicking off on important improvements to the highway.
The Gates of Haast Gorge bridge, which connects the 140km journey between Haast and Wānaka, is a crucial link — especially for locals and visitors heading to the West Coast glaciers.
A bit of patience now for safer, stronger roads ahead! 💛
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