LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS 2022
Steve Walker
Council
Labour
Which communities will you speak for and about at the council table?
The oath of office makes it clear that councillors are elected to speak for and about ALL members of the community. That said, I have been and will continue to support the place-based ecosystem. It’s absolutely clear that community led initiatives have created more resilient, more vibrant and better connected communities in the areas in which place-based groups operate.
As an aside, and through my ongoing work as chair of the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital, I will likely be the only councillor advocating for the ‘community’ without a voice – Our unique but highly endangered taonga species!
What is the number one social and economic issue for the community and for the city? (DCC question). What is the key issue for the region at this time and for the next 10 years? (ORC question)
My five priorities for this election are all climate change related, as I see this as the most important and pressing issue for Ōtepoti Dunedin.
As we know from across the planet, it’s the most vulnerable people who bear the brunt of climate change impacts yet contribute the least to the crisis, and this is no different for Dunedin. Climate change is more than an environmental crisis – it is a social and economic crisis which should force us to address issues of inequality. As I have mentioned many times around the council table, it’s the most vulnerable who will be disproportionately impacted by measures to address climate change – just think South Dunedin!
That said, we shouldn’t forget that communities can bring unique perspectives, skills, and a wealth of knowledge to the challenge of strengthening resilience and addressing climate change. In that context, it wouldn’t be unwise to engage place-based groups as partners in resilience-building around climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
We know that community led initiatives can set priorities, influence ownership, and design and implement investment programmes that are responsive to their community’s own needs – why wouldn’t you embrace that opportunity?
How will you elevate community aspirations? How will you know what they are? (DCC question only)
Thankfully, the annual and long term plan processes are a good way of gauging community aspirations, whether that be the desire for a South Dunedin library, a swimming pool in Mosgiel, new playgrounds, pump tracks, more community housing etc.
However, these processes can work against those without the capacity to engage in what they deem inaccessible or culturally biased systems. Place-based community groups have often been, and should remain a better conduit for passing on the aspirations of those not able or willing to engage with the more formal and structured processes of community ‘consultation’.
Under the Local Government Act 2002, councils are required to maintain and improve opportunities for Māori to contribute to local government decision-making processes. How will you honour this obligation in your role with the Dunedin City Council/Otago Regional Council?
I’m proud to have been part of a Council that has begun to become more responsive to the Treaty of Waitangi. Our strengthening relationship with mana whenua should not only be guided by the statutory obligations as set out in the LGA, but because having a greater understanding of each other’s aims and ambitions surely leads to better outcomes for all residents and communities – Isn’t that a win-win?
It’s been a highlight of this triennium voting to include two mana whenua positions on both our Planning & Environment and Infrastructure Services Committees for representatives from our two rūnaka – Providing better opportunities for mana whenua at the council decision-making level should be welcomed.
The appointment of the General Manager Māori, Partnerships and Policy as part of the executive leadership team is another strong expression of our Treaty partnership commitment. If re-elected I will continue to ensure that we include the Treaty as a natural part of our daily functioning as a territorial authority.
What is your usual approach to achieving collegial and constructive relationships with the people you work with? What is the most important element of a constructive working relationship?
Working around a council table, particularly with a group of 15 elected via the STV system, can provide for an interesting social experiment! The normal work relationship requirements of trust, respect, self-awareness, inclusion and open communication can often, and unfortunately, be left at the door as ideological debate or agenda setting ensues!
That said, I’ve always been an open, fair and approachable person and in the political arena I generally don’t bear any grudges, including against those who have a penchant for repeatedly stabbing me in the back.
Beyond the political table I have sat and remain on a number of Boards, so this question would be better addressed by my fellow Board/Trust members with whom I believe I have excellent working relationships.
The most important elements of a constructive working relationship are honesty (both brutal and affirmative honesty) and self-awareness.
The DCC's place-based community fund has been a game changer for community-led development and growing connected and resilient communities in Ōtepoti. What more will you do as a councillor to support community development in the city? (DCC candidate question only)
One of my biggest achievements during this past triennium was successfully moving a motion via the LTP process to increase the Place-based fund from $300,000 per annum to $550,000 per annum by 2026/27, with the largest increase ($100,000) occurring in year 1.
I will continue to advocate strongly for place-based organisations knowing that they are one of the better approaches to ensuring community resilience, vibrancy and connection in a time of uncertainty and change.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
123-456-7890
