Media Release 21 August 2016

Kindra Douglas, QSM, standing for Council

Queen’s Service Medal winner and former Nelsonian of the Year, Kindra Douglas, is standing for Nelson City Council.

Kindra is campaigning on three key policies: greater choices in housing, better wages and improved transport options.

Kindra says she wants to bring her passion for housing options that work for everyone to the Council table.

“I have a vision for housing styles that meet people’s increasingly diverse needs; affordable homes, better community housing for lower income families, inner-city living, innovative options for larger sites, the list goes on,” she said.

“There have been at least six reports on Nelson’s housing problems since 2004 that have produced numerous recommendations for increasing affordability but, to my knowledge, not a lot, have been adopted. Council is embarking on a housing strategy, which I truly want to support. This is a vital piece of work to ensure our long term resiliency and survival in a rapidly changing world.”

Kindra says a living wage for all workers is also essential for our city to thrive.

“We have some big employers and wide ranging business interests with innovation happening all the time. I want to explore how we continue to enhance those opportunities, both in the CBD and commercial zones, to build a future that offers Nelsonians more than sunshine wages.”

Kinda also wants to see Nelson do better with its transport options.

“Council has already invested well in varying the transport options available – our cycle-ways are the envy of other cities; our shared pathways and access to parks, reserves and the river are also enviable. Our bus service is adequate, but nowhere near optimum. I am a great believer in investing by adding value to what already exists. We don’t need to create new, we need to increase our commitment to what we know is already working for our city.”

Best known for her leadership in establishing and running the Victory Community Centre, Kindra has also been heavily involved in the Nelson Tasman Housing Trust and the Nelson Women’s Centre.

Kindra says that if she is successful in her campaign, she intends to reduce her hours at the Community Centre to make Council her number 1 priority.

“I love living in Nelson and being part of this vibrant, creative city. I offer my recognised leadership skills, proven track record and experience to work with Council and the rest of the community to make Nelson even better for everyone.”

Kindra received the Queen’s Service Medal for her work in the community in 2009 and in 2007 was named The Nelson Mail’s Nelsonian of the Year.

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