In the interest in being completely transparent about the upcoming elections, I thought I would highlight who my competition is in the Harbour Ward. Please bear in mind that if successfully appointment one of these will be my fellow councillors as two are chosen from each area.
These profile statements are taken from the Hutt City Council elections booklet that is being sent out with voting packs in September.
Brady Dyer
I am a young entrepreneur who will inject energy, vision and a new perspective at the council table. I attended HIBS then graduated from Victoria University (BCA). A passionate photographer, web designer and co-founder of Firefly Cinemas, I have an office in Petone and a home where I live with my wife and young daughter. I will represent your views and advocate for Great Harbour Way, Cross Valley Link, business incubator programmes, enhancing the Eastbourne Shopping Mall, finding ways we can better utilise Petone’s waterfront, and encouraging tourists visiting the Wellington region to visit Lower Hutt. Council hasn’t traditionally been a place for young people, but it’s important we have diverse representation of our community to make positive decisions for our city’s future. I am committed to making Lower Hutt an even better place to live, work and play for everyone.
Current Councillors
Tui Lewis
I’m passionate about the Harbour Ward – its people, its beaches, hills and wonderful heritage that make us unique. While a Petone resident (my family’s home for 38 years), if re-elected I will continue as a strong voice on council for all communities in our Ward. There are numerous projects I would like to see through to completion: the excellent 2040 vision work for Petone/Moera, Eastern Bays shared pathway, Hutt City Cycle Way, improved conditions for recreational use of the Esplanade and especially more open consultation with residents on their ideas for the future of their communities. I will continue with my involvement in Rotary, Community Patrol and Britannia House and will again work with all sectors by connecting with iwi, multicultural groups, heritage and cycling. I look forward to your support so I can continue to be a committed and productive Harbour Ward Councillor.
Let’s build stronger communities together.
Michael Lulich
Michael is an experienced and energetic councillor who works hard for our community. In January 2016, Hutt News found that he was one of the very few councillors that attended 100% of council meetings during the current term. Michael is a councillor that assists residents with their many concerns. He also sits on the Community Board where he plays an advisory role. As the senior Ward Councillor, Michael currently serves on the influential Finance and Audit Committee, where he has played his part in ensuring that rate increases have been kept the lowest in the Wellington region. Michael also serves on the Policy and Regulatory Committee. Achievements for Harbour Ward includes funding Eastbourne Walkway/ Cycleway; Growth plan for Petone; Settlers Museum renovations; sports funding; extra space for the Moera Community House; improvements to the Waiwhetu and Awamutu Streams; as well as to the Korokoro walkway and reserves.
Other’s Standing
Mason Branch
Past pupil of old Petone Central School and HVMC. Self-employed camera operator and editor. Strong family ties to Harbour Ward. The Harbour Ward must continue to prosper whilst maintaining its diverse communities, village atmosphere and green ‘close to nature’ feel that the river, streams, harbour and hills provide. Moera, Eastbourne and Petone need to be revitalised in a sympathetic manner, with amenities such as libraries and community hall upgrading to be prioritised. Suburban business districts need imaginative solutions and support. Cycle and walkways need completion. The Harbour Ward needs a clear and assertive independent voice. I support: Continued free parking, heavy traffic reduction on The Esplanade, initiatives to improve the health and appeal of our beaches with a foreshore beautification plan. Retention of local libraries and safer communities with a positive youth focus.
I am a strong supporter of our community arts programme.
Mike Fisher
I’ve actively listened to, worked with and strongly advocated on behalf of residents, as Petone Community Board Chairperson since 2013 and now ask for your support to do so as your Harbour Ward Councillor. Major achievements have been the saving of Petone Recreation Ground, involvement in the Petone 2040 Group to develop a spatial plan for Petone and Moera, ensuring that residents’ voices are heard through submissions and effective interaction with Council. I’m very proud to live in Petone with a family involved with local schools, sports clubs and businesses. I want communities in the Harbour Ward that embrace and protect their past, grow responsibly and make the most out of their unique history, heritage, environment and village atmosphere. For a Councillor who is active and responsive, listens to residents, ensures issues are debated so that we reach well considered yet progressive decisions, I ask for your vote. Thank you.