A Robot Mayor? Kaikōura Council Imagines 2075

Sunday, 13 October 2024, 6:55 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Could an AI bot become the mayor of Kaikōura in 2075?

Kaikōura District Council corporate services senior manager Peter Kearney has been imagining what the town might look like in 50 years as he contemplates working on an economic development strategy.

''As we consider what Kaikōura might look like in 2075, given the pace of technological change, could we have an AI bot as mayor?

''What does the business park and Beach Road (business area) look like, how has climate change affected us, has the population aged or has there been a change in age demographics with more families coming to live here?''

The Canterbury Mayoral Forum has been working on a regional economic development strategy and has set some goals of becoming an aerospace and AI leader, enhancing productivity and supporting high value industries.

Kearney said Kaikōura's economic advantage is its ''stunning scenery''.

''What can we put in place to maximise the value of Kaikōura?''

In the short term Kaikōura has opportunities in astro-tourism, the development of the Whale Trail for cyclists and walkers, the Wakatu Quay development, developing the South Bay marina, marine research, and people working remotely.

Developing a vision for the future is not new for Kaikōura, with the council leading several initiatives in the past, including ''Reimagine Kaikōura'' after the earthquakes.

The council is consulting on its draft spatial plan, which sets a blueprint for the next 30 years.

Kearney said the intention is to build on these documents and work with stakeholders and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura to develop a ''consolidated long term strategy''.

''There is a lot of information already, so we are not starting at ground zero.

''The starting point will be council driven, but maybe we can bring in someone with the business knowledge to come and help us.''

Councillor Kevin Heays said he felt ''a sense of deja vu'' at the prospect of another strategy.

''For me our number one asset is our people. We have got to look after our people, followed by the environment.''

He said there needed to be a dedicated person to drive it, so it did not lose momentum.

Councillor Tony Blunt said the biggest barrier was affordable housing.

''I see astro-tourism as having huge potential here, without taking away from all the other great tourism opportunities and it has a low environmental impact.''

Deputy mayor Julie Howden said she would like to see more light industrial businesses come to town so young people can stay and complete their apprenticeships.

Kearney will prepare a report for the 30 October council meeting to outline the steps involved in preparing an economic development strategy.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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