Six people are contesting the four seats available on the Maketū Community Board.

Te Puke News’ Stuart Whitaker asked Sue Elliot, Weina Moko, Stephan Simpson, Cecil (Moki) Thomas, Leni (Beau) Walters and Aleisha Waterhouse to tell us something about themselves and to answer one question.

Sue Elliot, Stephen Simpson and Cecil (Moki) Thomas responded. See their responses below.

Sue Elliot. Photo / Supplied

Sue Elliot

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are standing in the forthcoming local body election.

My background is: 20 years as a business owner, 20 years as a registered nurse, an ACC sensitive claims case manager and a court victim advisor. Returning to tertiary education at 50, I completed a PGDip Māori Health /Public Health and PGCert Health Leadership/Health Management.

My husband and I retired to Maketū five and a half years ago. Currently, I represent Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketū on the Iwi Māori Partnership Board for Te Moana a Toi.

My background of advocacy will ensure that Maketū’s voice will come to the fore.

What issue currently facing Maketū do you feel you are best equipped to address and how do you intend to influence it?

Mitigating the potential harm from climate change, especially in our lower-lying areas. This means continually upgrading and maintaining our infrastructure and including the community in decision-making.

Requiring transparency around the council maintenance schedule, to address ongoing, long-term leaks and “major road works” nearly two years following notification.

To ensure all orchardists on Maketū Rd and the surrounding areas are adhering to spray regulations and water usage. Orchards provide employment opportunities for our community; however, we are surrounded by orchards and our community health perspective requires assurance that the effects of spray drift are being addressed.

Stephan Simpson. Photo / supplied

Stephan Simpson

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are standing in the forthcoming local body election. It would be a privilege to represent the people of Maketū. I am committed to be an effective voice in our council, working with our community board to achieve positive outcomes for the residents of Maketū.

What issue currently facing Maketū do you feel you are best equipped to address and how do you intend to influence it?

Infrastructure – The absence of proper footpaths and kerbing poses issues contributing to flooding, safety of vehicle traffic flow & safety risk to our residents who are forced to walk on the road. If elected, I will advocate through the 5-10yr planning processes to prioritise these issues, through submission, represent Maketū at council, to ensure our community concerns are heard.

Protection of our Environment – primary concern is our estuary and drinking water quality. I would work in collaboration with council/s to ensure water quality is managed and maintained to an accepted standard and that standard remains an ongoing priority. Support provided for our parks and reserves. Support to Maketū community and social activities.

Cecil (Moki) Thomas. Photo / Supplied

Cecil (Moki) Thomas

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are standing in the forthcoming local body election

Should I make the cut, I’ll do my best.

Home is where the heart is and Maketū is it, for me. Since retiring I strive to acquire a purpose in life and when I was asked if I’d be interested in the Maketū Community Board, purpose gradually came to the forefront, keeping in mind personal wellbeing is paramount.

I have a background in social services and domestic violence facilitation, supporting whānau with complex issues. This is a potential insight that I know what whānau are experiencing and what their immediate needs are.

What issue currently facing Maketū do you feel you are best equipped to address and how do you intend to influence it

That’s a tough question: But stating the obvious that the current times are certainly tough for everyone and it’s not likely to improve.

Maketū needs to adapt. With the median valuation of homes in Maketū at a premium, it is unaffordable for mana whenua, the locals and middle-class people.

I intend to influence social housing in Maketū. Why?

* Te Puke is literally streets ahead in providing social housing. How?

* Who are their support systems?

* Is an iwi involved?

* If so, is there a partnership between council and iwi?

* Can Maketū seek guidance and tap into Te Puke’s accomplishments?

Maketū Community Board will be made up of four elected community board members and one appointed councillor from the Maketū -Te Puke General Ward.

Voting opens on September 9 and closes at midday on October 11.