Ian Balme not standing for re-election

Ian Balme announced today he will not stand for re-election in this year's local body elections.

Ian, who is currently chair of Environment Waikato's regulatory committee, said there had been some very good achievements in the past six years and he was looking forward to taking on fresh challenges.

Environment Waikato's regulatory group had performed increasingly well in the past three years and was now considered the country's best-practice regional council regulatory department.

"We have effectively dealt with most of the worst polluters in the region, to the point that there are now very few prosecutions necessary. But that is a milestone, not a victory.

"One of the most pleasing recent signs of progress was Fonterra CEO Andrew Ferrier finally making a meaningful public commitment to delivering a cleaner dairy industry. I'll continue to watch this with interest."

Ian said local government in the Waikato was in dire need of reform. The current fragmented and costly structure would make it increasingly difficult for the region to keep pace with other regions. "We desperately need leaders who are prepared to park their personal agendas and instead consider region-wide opportunities and interests. If we could achieve that, Waikato people would be much better served and the region would again have the national clout it deserves."

The necessary reforms could be achieved if voters in this year's elections took their job seriously and selected candidates with the necessary skills, he said. "If Waikato people don't make the necessary decisions, the Government will have to step in. Either way, there are inevitably going to be changes ahead."

ENDS

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