Mayoralty for the common good

Dennis Curtis. Photo: Amanda Ashton.

Dennis Curtis slipped under the Rotorua Now radar when nominations closed on August 12 for the Rotorua local body elections in October.

When nominations closed at noon on Friday, August 12, we understood mayoralty nominations numbered three.

But Warwick Lampp, the electoral officer, said in response to a query by Rotorua Now that a last-minute rush meant a delay in the final count.

Included in the rush was Rotorua businessman and community leader Dennis Curtis, of the prominent Rotorua dynasty. Dennis was a last-minute nomination, but as this Q&A shows he had been mulling over the prospect of assuming the mayoral chains for some time.

Why are you standing?

Dennis: Accountability, responsibility, affordability, commercial and community sustainability.

Who encouraged you?

Dennis: Whanau and business colleagues, more importantly what the Community has been calling for - simply to be heard, understand, take accountability and act prudently.

What disappoints you about the present administration?

Dennis: Appears to be disconnected from community, and fundamental first principles as in first answer

You have been around some time, how does marae democracy differ from the democracy into which you have now entered?

Dennis: I find there are more democratic commonalities; however, it's framework differs and is more intense, demanding and rigorous in some instances for marae, iwi when contending with due process: for example utilisation of land to build, MLC, succession, zoning, regulation then proceed with due process where as general land requirements begin at regulation then due process

Do you feel Maori have been under-represented in Rotorua democracy?

Dennis: Maori/Iwi have had equal opportunity to reflect representation in the election process. In addition, Tatau Tatau is a good example of participation. Iwi are starting to take on the challenges that are presented in commerce and community. Over time I am confident iwi will feature and nurture strong young Leaders for the future – it is about unity

Are you standing from a Maori or Te Arawa perspective?

Dennis: Dennis Curtis taku ingoa, ko Te Arawa taku waka – I am Maori and Te Arawa is my waka, I am standing from and for a community into the future perspective

If successful, what would it mean becoming the first Maori mayor of Rotorua?

Dennis: For me personally an honour, for Maori an equal voice, as would be the case for all communities
Have you always lived in Rotorua?

Dennis: 28 years in Rotorua followed by an extensive expatriate career throughout the Pacific (Tyco International), Australia (Maersk & Macca), States (Tyco Int & DHL) Tonga (McConnel Dowell) Fiji(Fletcher & Tyco Int).

Is Rotorua as economically depressed as painted?

Dennis: Yes and No. Rotorua is behind the National GDP expectation by 0.02%; forestry industry will feature contributing to the low; infrastructure will follow; Central Govt will consider over time I suspect by injecting investment to sustain the Industry preventing our people fleeing to Australia while that Country experiences significant growth. Fonterra's recent announcement for our farming community concerns me – I would like to take a discussion up with the CEO of the company to get a handle on stability for our District. Primary Industry tourism is levelling out we must nurture and invest back into one of our principle earners that includes some great initiatives like mountain –

Crankworx I am a fan – overall, we have a lot of work to do and can-do things better with an applied business focus.

What are your major concerns about Rotorua?

Dennis: For a start, that rates are set to increase.

If elected will you increase rates?

Dennis: We (I) have no choice the decision has been made by the incumbent(s) for the next two terms. I can start that review of which I will lead, get across all significant proposed infrastructure spend in the pipeline and proposed to understand what we must consider and act on immediately to stem any further overspend or delays, contributors to rates hikes

Which would be the most serious of your concerns – rising debt, rural nutrients run-off, co-governance, so-called vanity projects (cycle way, Lakefront development etc)?

Dennis: We must consider and address any or all concerns, rising debt (on the back of OCR announcement is concerning), nutrients, housing development delays due to internal shortfalls, affordability, homelessness, asset care, infrastructure investment and build, community specifics – the communities concerns are realised when you start to list them as you go – it's time to Prioritise and review the LTP timings with a view to balance for resilience

Do you think much urgency has been made of the rebuilds of the Bath House and/or the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre?

Dennis: No more so than any other facility or building we are having to rescue. Funding has been key. However, we should have done a lot better in the years prior with maintaining the standard of valuable assets, community utilised facilities before getting to this point.

What do you make of the housing crisis in Rotorua and how would you fix it?

Dennis: The housing crisis it is a national issue. Rotorua has opportunity. We must work hard to find the solutions with Central Govt if we as a district are to provide for our communities. Let's build a possible solution. I alone cannot fix it. I will put my hand up, however, to assist to find solutions and engage the right process.

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.