Authorised by Grant Brookes, 51 Awamutu Grove, Lower Hutt

Michelle Ducat – Candidate, Harbour Ward

I am a parent, teacher, and member of Playcentre. I grew up in Lower Hutt, and now live in Moera beside the Hutt River/Te Awa Kairangi. I'm standing with VAN - Valley Action Network because I want to see a real change in our Council’s priorities. The diverse communities of the Harbour Ward are facing many challenges. Rising costs and unemployment are creating hardship, while “business as usual” places a huge strain on our environment.

VAN says ordinary people need a greater voice on Council to meet these challenges.

We believe in a city for the residents, not the developers. VAN says Council can be proactive in protecting the special heritage of the Harbour Ward and meeting the needs of a growing population.
   
Housing is one of the biggest costs we face. A secure, well-insulated home has huge impacts upon health and well-being. VAN will build green council houses – creating jobs, assets and affordable homes.

As well, VAN will advocate for the removal of GST from rates: a tax on a tax is robbery.

All of us who live in coastal and low-lying areas are aware of the threats posed by climate change. Many are concerned about the health of our rivers and harbour.

VAN will show leadership and work with local communities to address climate change. One way we will do this is to support free and frequent public transport. It will give people a real choice, reduce congestion and reduce emissions.

We will say no to water meters and water privatisation. Water is a basic human need, not something to be profited from. Instead we’ll give subsidies to those who install rain water tanks.   

We think it is time for Council to actively work with people to create a fairer and sustainable future. Vote VAN for change.

Omar Hamed - Candidate, Northern Ward

As the Unite Union organiser for the Wellington region I represent workers and their families struggling with low wages, rising transport costs, high rents and unemployment.

I am standing with VAN – Valley Action Network because working people in the Northern Ward deserve a bigger say on Council. VAN supports social justice, grassroots democracy and sustainability.

To deal with rising unemployment, we'll build green council houses, creating jobs, community assets and affordable homes. We won’t let the Council bring in water privatisation or water meters. Instead we’ll give rates rebates to those who install rainwater tanks. We’ll campaign for Government and Council funding for better insulation in all Hutt homes.

The Hutt needs free public transport to deal with climate change and congested roads.

We’ll push to get GST off rates - a tax on a tax is a rip off. A vote for VAN is a vote for real change.

Grant Brookes - Candidate, Eastern Ward

VAN is a positive alternative to tired, old, business-as-usual policies. We aren't politicians, just ordinary people who want change.

I'm a nurse. I live with my partner and two children near the beautifully clean lower Waiwhetu Stream. I'm a union delegate who represents fellow members in the workplace and at the national level.

As a nurse, advocating for the welfare of others comes naturally. And as a unionist and socialist, I support all grassroots people who stand up for their rights. This is why I'm part of VAN. VAN believes in a city for the residents, not the property developers.

We'll support free public transport, because it makes climate sense and serves the people.

We'll build council houses – creating jobs, ratepayer assets and affordable homes.

We'll push to get GST off rates. And we'll subsidise rainwater tanks, while stopping water meters and privatisation, to protect our River and residents.