Candidates on youth issues

Wintec journalism students have this week canvassed Hamilton
City Council candidates in the Hamilton East ward by-election.

They asked candidates to give answers of up to 75 words on
two questions on youth issues.

They were:

1. What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton?

2. What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people
want to live in?

At deadline time today – July 23 – responses had been received from 15 of the 24 candidates. In some cases, the candidates’ contact details were not complete enough to ensure efforts to contact them had been successful.

The 24 candidates in the race for the Hamilton East seat
are:  Peter Humphreys, Anna Casey-Cox, Ada
Xiao, Christopher Manson, Donna Pokere-Phillips, Chris van der Aa, Ross
MacLeod, Anna Smart, Horiana Henderson, Wiremu Puke, Roshni Desai, Riki
Manarangi, Pirihira Kaio, Naomi Pocock, Michelle Houghton, Mark Donovan, Lisa
Lewis, Kat Waswo, Jennifer Myers, Jack Gielen, Emma Pike, Daniel Pascoe, Colm
McKeogh and Chandra Ritesh

Postal voting runs from July 27 to August 18.

The election was called following the death of incumbent
Margaret Forsyth in May.

Here’s what candidates had to say:

Christopher Manson

What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton?

For youth the ever present issue of access makes us feel
small. How can we find good housing, healthy food, and a sense of care from our
community? Many issues, including an understanding of politics, could be
overcome by the council taking a proactive role in building the city outwards
from community centres. This city could be much more than it is with youth
playing an active role in the council.

What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people want
to live in?

It will have to start with making it a city they want to
stay in. Hamilton East hosts thousands of students who study in this city, but
you may never notice this. The city has some beautiful and large parks which
with a little bit of organising can turn into places of expression for youth
and hubs of activity. The problem of the city council right now is not knowing
how to engage with us. To me it’s a sign of a healthy democracy and invaluable
when building the city better.

Naomi Pocock

What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton?

Unaffordability. 
We’re becoming another Auckland, because of our sprawl plans. Sprawl
erodes the heart of a city.  It’s
expensive, which raises rents because of rate increases.  It creates congestion and isolation.  A 30-year urban design plan will turn that
tide.  Safer cycleways, environmental
protection, accessibility, usable parks and more.  Less sprawl, more density done well.  More affordable housing.  Youth deserve a city they want to call
home.  

What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people want to live in?

I would listen to young people to ensure Hamilton grows
well.  Youth are our future leaders and
should be key decision-makers in the 30 year vision.  Councillors are not urban design
experts.  I would engage urban design
specialists and citizens in collaborative conversations, like citizens’
assemblies.  This will engage youth and
other residents as decision-makers in our planning process.  Together, let’s create a safe, sustainable, thriving
city.

Jennifer Myers

What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton?

In my youth, what I thought I wanted and what I really
needed were two different things. When it came right down to it, I really
needed secure relationships and secure housing. I believe every human has a
right to secure, dry, warm housing at an affordable price and right now that’s
a huge issue for young people attempting to create a life for themselves in and
around Hamilton.

What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people want
to live in?

I believe Hamilton is quickly becoming a place more and more
people (young included) will want to call home. The presence of business
incubators, large employers, the growing arts and culture scene and
ever-expanding selection of places to connect is great. As a Councillor I would
do whatever I could to support creating more housing supply – partially by
building up, not out – and making the ‘CBD’ a desirable place to live, work and
play.

Peter Humphreys

What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton?

Housing affordability is a major issue for the older youth
in Hamilton. This is not just around the now unrealistic ability to purchase
houses but also the rental opportunities. The opportunity to live an
independent life has been limited and youth are becoming more dependent on
whanau and family. Lack of and insecure housing can impact mental health and
sometimes also lead to other social challenges.

What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people want
to live in?

We have built destination playgrounds for our youngsters but
very little has been done for our youth. So, I would be keen to discuss with
youth representatives and the older school-age children about what would make
Hamilton a city that they would want to live in. Youth need events and
activities for entertainment and stimulation so their view of what is required
is crucial. There should be nothing about youth without youth.

Anna Smart

What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton?

Affordability – where to live and how we live. We are
watching rents and house prices heading up and up, so having a roof over your
head and food in the fridge have to be priorities. Council has a role to play
in this through shaping the way the city grows – creating more inner city
apartments and providing good connecting transport infrastructure, including
safe multi-modal options, to the growing outer communities.

What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people want
to live in?

My vision for Hamilton is a thriving and sustainable city
for our children and theirs, and part of a thriving city is offering world
class events.  A strong arts and culture
scene is a vital part of making a city special and a place that we want to be –
for our youth and beyond. I would be looking at what strategic partnerships we
can collaborate on to maximise arts, music and sporting events.

Wiremu Puke

What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton?

That varies according to demography and where in the city.
Talking with a number of teens they say it’s racism between cultures and
communities. Others say it’s the state of the environment and climate change.
The main one is that youth are not heard enough, and their ideas are not taken
onboard at a decision table level.

What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people want
to live in?

It would be great if the council could establish positive
motivation clinics in our neighbourhoods for youth so they can feel inspired
and flourish by getting positive role models or peers to share their
experiences. Develop our own stories and music that reflect
Kirikiriroa/Hamilton.  A youth art
gallery and museum where the ideas of the youth can be displayed.

Roshni Desai

What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton?

The youth in Hamilton are facing challenges navigating their
career which is also a reason for mental health issues and lack of stable job
opportunities, which also forces youth to move out to other cities. Besides
this, youth lack access to infrastructure that can be a source of varied
entertainment activities.

What would you do to make Hamilton a place for young people
to live in?

My interest is increasing commercial activities and raising
job opportunities, motivating youth to stay in Hamilton and consequently
alleviating mental health. Another idea to put on the table is to include youth
as an advisory council voluntarily. To explicitly capture youth’s voice,
surveys to be carried out from colleges/universities. Inviting a group of
youths to “Open House” to share opinions on the new initiatives by council.
This way, we also engage youth in leadership and sharing civic
responsibilities.

Ross MacLeod

​​What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton?

Climate change. That might sound odd because, while it’s a
huge global issue, we don’t think of it impacting us as much locally,
especially in Hamilton. But it may change how we think about drinking water
issues, flooding issues, transport and housing, even rates costs through debt,
insurance and rent hikes. We need to do what we can to reduce our environmental
impact while preparing for the change that is already happening.

What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people want
to live in?

Transport options: Getting around safely and easily, whether
this is through walkways, cycleways or public transport. Promoting public
facilities: This means playgrounds, libraries, sports grounds, parks and green
spaces where people can meet up and hang out. Opportunities: Many still see
Hamilton as a place you move away from to be successful. And in some ways, it’s
true. I’d love to encourage more career paths to follow here.

Ritesh Chandra

What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton?

I feel the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton is keeping
safe from harm, looking after their wellbeing, having options to explore in
terms of what they would like to do in life and having fun events and
activities to enjoy around Kirikiriroa Hamilton

What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people want
to live in?

I have consistently pitched three campaign projects centred
on safety, transport options and events. I sense a hybrid of my three areas of
focus will help young people feel like they want to live in Kirikiriroa
Hamilton, and hopefully they stay beyond their education years and seamlessly
move into working for one of our industries to help build our city and our
region into the next 30 years

Riki Manarangi

What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people want
to live in?

I want young people to feel empowered enough to answer this
question themselves. The world is different to what it was in the early 2000s
when I was studying so it would be arrogant of me or any candidate who is not
representative of youth to say what we think is best for our youth today
without first hearing what their whakaaro (thoughts) are.

What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton?

Not giving a shit about local government is the biggest
issue young people face. It impacts all your decision making. Do you live with
your folks? Well, they pay rates directly or through renting. Do you live in or
rent a flat? Well, your rent has the rates in it. It is more than just making rubbish
disappear and water magically appear.

Horiana Henderson

What is the biggest issue facing the youth of Hamilton?

At Hamilton’s Whiti 2021 event my 13 and 17 year old sons
heard the original songs of local singer-songwriter, TED talk presenter, businessperson,
cherished granddaughter, blogger and teenager, Rosalie Norton. She performed
alongside X-Factor winner Beau Monga. Being able to connect with these local
talents is inspiring and normalising and that addresses the biggest issue
facing Hamilton Youth; permission, inspiration and support to be their best
selves.

What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people want
to live in?

I would speak with, listen to and collaborate with youth to
make Hamilton a place they want to live in. Hamilton City Council has a
dedicated Community and Social Development Team along with other Rangatahi
Youth Action Plan stakeholders who actively and authentically engage with youth,
and I would want to see them supported in their efforts. We also need more
youth focussed facilities in our public spaces e.g., outdoor courts and
skateparks.

Kat Waswo

What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton?

People generally think of ‘youth’ as teenagers or even
children, but for most corporate entities ‘youth’ is defined as anyone under
the age of 35. The latter is the focus for my campaign. Over 54% of
Hamiltonians are under the age of 35, myself included. We struggle with the
costs of living, insecure work and insecure housing which contribute to the
overall mental health and wellbeing issues which I consider as a
“capitalism crisis”.

What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people want
to live in?

HCC desperately needs to put young people at the forefront.
In April 2021 I confronted the council during their submissions for the Long
Term Plan and stated that they don’t do enough to help retain talented youth.
If elected, I would propose more funding dedicated to suburban youth
facilities, and a creative arts hub in the city centre. Living in Hamilton
should be exciting, fun and inspiring – which will also help grow our creative
industries.

Chris van der Aa

What is the biggest issue facing youth
in Hamilton?

I believe one of the biggest issues
facing the youth of Hamilton (and most of NZ) is affordable housing options,
whether it be buying or renting. I believe Hamilton can buck this trend by
opening up existing areas tagged for development faster, to do this though we
need to evaluate and develop alternative ways of funding infrastructure,
Milldale in Auckland is an existing example of local government and private
business working together to find positive outcomes.

What would you do to make Hamilton a
place young people want to live in?

Develop our housing stocks, open up
development encourage diversity of options, low, medium and high density
housing options. Along side this I wish to encourage Hamilton to continue to
embrace the river and develop towards it, including supporting initiatives such
as the water taxi service. I will also encourage events to happen in Hamilton,
whether it be sports, arts, music etc having enticing events to attend is a key
part of any community.

Anna Casey-Cox

What is the biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton? 

I believe that mental health and well-being is the biggest issue
facing young people. How all young people are supported with places to connect,
find belonging, be affirmed in their identity, have fun and access
opportunities is critical. Our population is diverse and our youth services and
facilities need to reflect this diversity. 

What would you do to make Hamilton a place young people want to
live in?

I would strengthen and increase youth facilities, events and
participation opportunities. Young people have great ideas for what will make
our city great for young people. For example, my colleague Hannah is developing
a Climate Action Hub. This Hub will increase the visibility of climate action
opportunities for young people (and all of us). A city that supports young
people to lead, participate and realise their dreams, is a city young people
will want to live in.

Ada Xiao

What is the
biggest issue facing youth in Hamilton? 

I want to give the young generation the
hope of the future, but not government debt. Facing higher and higher house and
rent prices, how could the younger generation focus on creative jobs? Without
the younger generation, we will all be in trouble soon. The truth of the “govt
debt” is “spending the younger generation’s money”. We should stop it and
we should repay the current govt debt fast. The current government should
responsibly spend the funds on essential projects, not the “good-to-have”
projects.

What would you do
to make Hamilton a place young people want to live in?

Let our younger generation have the opportunities to design their own “good-to-have” projects, with their creative talent.  Please only elect a professional councillor, not a popular one. Because the latter one is much less likely to make a positive decision for the future.