Karl Matthys (Democrats for Social Credit)
I don't think there is an official Democrat Party view on the matter other than that the Tukituki river is not going to be degraded further as a consequence of the dam being built. My personal view is that I'm ok with the project proceeding but believe that the ratepayers shouldn't be asked to underwrite the financial risk. The 'stakeholder' farmers or other investors should carry this.
Maryanne Marsters (Maori)
Where was the community voice in the development of the Ruataniwha Dam? Where is the reliable research that reassures Napier whanau that there will be no negative effect on our environment as a result of the RWSS? Protection of the environment, and community-led development is important to the Maori Party. I stand by the voice of whanau when they voted and changed the makeup of the HBRC last year.
Tukituki candidates:
Lawrence Yule (National)
I support water storage as a high priority to support our primary and horticulture sectors. I cannot see how the RWSS can proceed further now the land swap has been ruled illegal by a majority decision of the highest court in the land. Rather than give up on the concept we should use the opportunity to develop a region wide strategy around water storage across both the Ruataniwha and Heretaunga Plains in collaboration with HBRC, Fish and Game, Forest and Bird and iwi.
Chris Perley (Greens)
The RWSS was poorly thought out environmentally and economically. The record of industrialisation of land use on local economies, communities and the environment is plain for all to see, They get worse when the money flows out with ownership and processing, labour is marginalised, and the environment is treated as something to compromise.
Richard Ryan (Democrats for Social Credit)
I am totally opposed because irrigated farms will have to go over to dairy, which is the last thing we need more of. It is a hazard to the towns below in earthquake country, it will not improve the river quality, it is an unnecessary burden on ratepayers and conserved land should not be downgraded.
Anna Lorck (Labour)
I think most people, who were open to the dam, if it stacked up economically and environmentally to the conditions set, will accept that this is the end to the project. When I'm out talking in the community, people are telling me they see so many other water issues facing our region that are a priority - starting with securing fresh, safe drinking water. However, we do need to make on-farm water storage more affordable and cut the huge resource consenting costs around what is now going to play a very critical role in the future of our primary sector.
Wairarapa candidates:
Alastair Scott (National)(Current MP)
Yes, I am in support of water storage projects. Due to the rise of climate change we have more dry spells and wet storm spells so wouldn't it be great to be able to store the rain that floods the fields and use it for environment and social benefits.
Roger Greenslade (ACT)
The Ruataniwha Water scheme offers some worthwhile options for the local agricultural sector and to address the long-term sustainable water supply needs of the central Hawke's Bay. However, there is a lack of private funding of this project by those who will benefit the most from it. It is not acceptable that the full cost and any risk will fall on the local rate payers.
John Hart (Greens)
I am happy for the dam not to go ahead if it means we can now talk plan B. Let's invest in a dryland farming institute to make the whole region more productive, not just a small number of irrigated farms. Large-scale irrigation isn't protection against drought or climate change: resilient, diverse farming systems are and we can create those.
Kieran McAnulty (Labour)
Water storage schemes must be economically and environmentally sustainable. They can't be disproportionately reliant on ratepayer subsidies and nor can they lead to further deterioration of our rivers through intensified production that is unsustainable to the land. If the RWSS meets these requirements then I will support it but at this stage it doesn't.
Ikaroa-Rawhiti candidates:
Meka Whaitiri (Labour, current MP)
We need sustainable water management for all users in the region but the people of HB have never been presented with a case explaining how a water scheme subsidised with public money - which will also lead to river pollution- is going to make the region wealthier. RWSS has been divisive, expensive and an embarrassment for HB.
Marama Fox (Maori)(List MP)
Our view is to support the iwi and their aspirations and we believe the RWSS is physically irresponsible and the iwi concerns have not been met. We should look for more localised water storage solutions without the huge environmental impact.
Elizabeth Kerekere (Greens)
I applaud the recent Supreme Court ruling against the RWSS. It is outrageous that the government plans law changes to exploit conservation land based on tenuous research and conflicts of interest. The Green's proposed Green Infrastructure Fund will support local iwi, businesses and communities to create real jobs in the clean technology and infrastructure sectors, without damaging the environment.
