Candidates: We want a crime-free, tourist mecca

Creating an attractive, crime-free region is what some South Wairarapa political aspirants plan to do if they are elected as councillors.

"South Wairarapa is a mecca for visitors from throughout the world," says Colin Olds, candidate for the Featherston ward.

Council must work closely with tourism operators to help grow the sector and make sure visitors had a great experience here, he said.

Greytown candidate David Montgomerie said the region also needed to be attractive to young people and needed better marketing. "It seems to lack a coherent marketing plan for itself.

"There needs to be a council-led discussion, working with local businesses, organisations and the community, to develop a strategy to market the South Wairarapa as a place to live and work."

He said the management of council assets needed to improve. "The former Greytown Library building has been empty for some time. At a time when there are very few empty spaces in Greytown's Main St this seems to be an anomaly. The council needs to act to ensure spaces such as this are utilised."

Mr Montgomerie said if the building was used, it would increase the number of people exploring Stella Bull Park and shops in Greytown.

Richard Heald, also running for Greytown, said the local economy could be boosted by tidying up and using all the currently empty buildings on the main streets of Featherston and Greytown.

Martinborough candidate and incumbent Julie Riddell said the earthquake strengthening and refurbishment of Martinborough Town Hall was a top priority. "The hall and the square are the hub of our vibrant village. We have only one chance to do this so let's get it right."

She also said the council needed to focus on core business and be prudent with ratepayers' money.

"I totally support the 'no frills' policy we currently maintain."

People needed to feel proud about where they lived, said Featherston candidate Solitaire Robertson. "I want to see our communities become safer, with less vandalism and graffiti.

"Having attractive towns with positive communities encourages new residents and visitors alike, which boosts the district's economy which in turn has an impact on crime, vandalism and graffiti."

Featherston candidate Helen (Darkie) Barrow is keen to see the graffiti issue tackled as well as improving street cleaning and rubbish services.

Martinborough nominee Bob Petelin also wants to see petty crimes like graffiti stopped. He is keen to see monitored security cameras put in the three towns.

Featherston candidate Tim Watson, feels strongly about working with police to prevent and minimise petty crimes by youth.

"The recent meeting held in Featherston shows the depth of feeling at the amount of petty crimes committed by a minority of what seems to be untouchable youths.

"The offences they are committing are extremely annoying and frustrating to everyone."

When do I vote?
- Voting papers are mailed to people enrolled to vote from September 20-25.
- Voting closes at noon on October 12, 2013.