As Hutt City voters open their ballot packs this year, they’ll find more than just candidate names. A non-binding referendum asks whether councils should “explore amalgamation options with Wellington, Upper Hutt and Porirua City Councils, and the Greater Wellington Regional Council…”

Hutt City Council's financial performance is unsustainable. It is setting us on a path guaranteed to make rates unaffordable for many. I've produced a financial plan to set Council on a path to recovery.

Election season brings a flood of requests for candidates to declare their positions. One recent example was a straightforward pledge card with three commitments. I signed two — and declined one — and here’s why:

Councils across the Wellington metropolitan region are advancing plans to transfer billions of dollars’ worth of water supply, wastewater, and stormwater assets to a new corporate entity—temporarily named Metro Water. Once established, Metro Water will take over responsibility for delivering water services across the region.

Hutt City Council has approved a plan that will sharply increase rates—placing an unsustainable burden on many households.

Few local issues have stirred as much debate recently as paid parking in Petone and fee increases city-wide. I share the frustration and voted against introducing the new parking meters and several other fee hikes. Here's why I believe the timing and approach were wrong.