Your candidates, our questions: Mike Pettit

Thursday, 25 September 2025

The following are responses the Waikato Times received in our attempts to pin politicians down on various issues relating to their district.

And, in a test of their brevity - an essential skill in the council chamber - we asked them to restrict each answer to no more than 15 words.

What are the top three issues for your district?

Rates affordability, infrastructure investment, balancing growth between Cambridge, Te Awamutu, satellite towns and rural communities.

What do you think your district is known for?

Karāpiro (jewel in the crown), world-class dairying and equine industries and vibrant, friendly communities.

What would you like it to be known for?

Careful affordable growth, strong, listened to communities, the basics done well and strong amenity value.

How will you represent that on the national stage?

Vocally, celebrating and advocating at every turn what a great district we are and offer.

Is there one international politician you really admire? Why?

Angela Merkel - managed Germany’s economy pragmatically and steadily, without scandal, through global crises.

How would you place yourself on a political spectrum/compass?

Centrist, pragmatic, focused on community outcomes rather than ideology, and a focus on outcomes.

What’s one thing the current council has done well?

Investing in sports and cultural facilities across Waipā, strong branding, hence name - Home of Champions.

And what’s one thing it’s done badly?

Ignoring affordability by pushing rates increases beyond residents’ capacity and failing to justify/explain reasons.

What’s something the council isn’t doing but should (within its remit)?

Line-by-line budget scrutiny, review procurement procedures, create additional revenue, cut waste - reducing pressure on ratepayers.

And what’s something it is doing but shouldn’t be?

Same old funding model and thinking, while funding non-essential extras before fixing core infrastructure needs.

Does the council need to tighten its belt?

Yes—families are tightening theirs, so council must too. New accountable focused thinking is needed.

How will you manage population growth without sacrificing liveability?

Plan intensification carefully and smartly, protect green spaces, and deliver infrastructure appropriately ahead of growth.

Is your council's debt level sustainable? (As of June 30, 2025, Waipa’s total external debt was forecast to reach $470 million.)

Currently risky - must refocus rates on essentials, make savings from within, create alternate funding for “nice-to-haves”.

Are your council's rates rises sustainable?

No - double-digit increases aren’t sustainable for households or businesses. Check my Facebook to bring them down.

Does your district need a bed tax on private accommodation providers?

Not now - tourism supports local jobs; added costs risk deterring visitors. Focus on first class offerings.