The official by-election result released by the KCDC was –
Michael Scott: 1789
Quentin Poole: 1620
Geoffrey Churchman: 728
Jean Kahui: 525
Wynn Ingram: 321
The above figures include distribution of preferences as no-one got more than 50% of first preferences.
Jean Kahui had an almost identical platform to myself; but the differences between candidates generally seemed to be more ones of emphasis than substance. The two most controversial issues for Waikanae people — the Expressway and water meters — are done, and the regional amalgamation issue affects everybody in the region.
Geoff what are your thoughts on the proposed development of a medical centre and mention of retail businesses at Waikanae Beach?
I would like this area to be retained in pretty much its present form. I don’t see a problem with a few artisan outlets for homemade items, but that’s all. Certainly no more general stores — the Four Square is ample.
My feelings about the Medical Centre are ambivalent — on the face of it, it could potentially be useful in the event of medical emergencies; although First Aid kits could be held by the 2 local cafes to deal with minor things like sunburn, cuts and stings and a defibrillator has already been put on the outside wall of the toilet and dressing shed block.
On the other hand, I fully appreciate the concern people have about noise and about congestion; it’s the reason why I don’t like the plans of the Maypole and Waikanae North companies — there just isn’t the infrastructure to cope with what they want, let alone their ‘let’s make big profits by spending as little as we can get away with’ attitude.
The other thing that bothers both me and Eva a lot are commercial billboards like the Ranford ones — it’s one thing to promote local attractions like museums, quite another to have crass advertising for remote businesses such as real estate firms, unhealthy fast food, soft drinks, and greedy self-serving lawyers etc. A definite no to them!
~Geoff