Candidates Clash Over Bus Services in Moeraki Constituency

In the upcoming election for the Moeraki Constituency, candidates Sophia Leon de la Barra and incumbent councillor Kevin Malcolm are prioritizing public bus services as a critical issue. Their differing perspectives reflect the ongoing challenges and opportunities for transport in the region.

Focus on Public Transport Improvements

During his campaign, Kevin Malcolm emphasized the historical challenges faced by the Moeraki constituency regarding local and regional bus services. He acknowledged that the Otago Regional Council (ORC) has often neglected these transport needs. However, Malcolm highlighted recent improvements, particularly the enhancements to the daily bus service to Palmerston. He stated, “Our transport team are working hard on an option for our Oamaru-Dunedin connection,” expressing confidence that this will be realized soon.

Malcolm’s campaign also underscores the ORC’s commitment to environmental initiatives. He mentioned that river management plans are being activated to address long-overdue maintenance of river corridors. “At almost every key policy development and implementation, ORC has used Waitaki residents as a key touchstone,” he noted. This includes issues like freshwater farm plans and intensive winter grazing. Malcolm assured constituents that his decisions aim to serve the entire Otago region while maintaining a focus on local needs.

Leon de la Barra’s Vision for Public Buses

Sophia Leon de la Barra, in contrast, has made public bus services her top priority if elected. She pointed to the public bus provisions outlined in ORC’s Long Term Plan, emphasizing the necessity for better connections between towns and Dunedin. Referencing surveys conducted by Safer Waitaki in both 2017 and 2022, she asserted that elderly residents have expressed a strong need for improved bus services, particularly for travel to specialist appointments at Dunedin Hospital. “It’s time to respect our elders by listening and giving them what they need,” she stated.

Leon de la Barra also brings governance experience from local charities to her campaign, promising a transparent and accountable approach to decision-making. “There is no one like a feisty ginger to get things done,” she declared, aiming to convey her determination and commitment to the constituency.

The upcoming elections will also see changes in the number of councillors in Dunedin and Dunstan wards, along with the introduction of the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system throughout the region. Richard Saunders, chief executive of the ORC, encourages voters to do their research on candidates and their platforms. With STV, voters can rank candidates in order of preference, although it is not mandatory to rank all candidates.

As the election approaches, the candidates’ focus on public transport highlights a significant concern for residents in the Moeraki constituency. With decisions made in the upcoming council meeting set to impact the region for years to come, voters are urged to consider the implications of their choices carefully. For more information on the candidates, profiles can be viewed on the ORC website.