Rejuvination of the Waitaki district is the main message in David Wilson's campaign to be elected Waitaki Mayor.
He believes a strong national and district economy needs a flourishing network of local economies.
''We should be ensuring money circulates in local communities which encourages diversity and where building and nourishing relationships is at the core of building healthy and inclusive communities,'' he said.
The focus must be on the available resources, capacities, strengths and aspirations of that community and its residents, and where arts, culture and heritage played an essential role, he said.
Why are you standing for mayor?
''I have resided in the Herbert-Waianakarua area since 1985 and am enormously optimistic, believing that now is the time for a bold new era of people-centred action, where this district positions as a powerhouse of innovation, entrepreneurship and future-focused thinking under the vision of being `the most liveable and resilient district in the nation'.
''This position must be adopted if we are to deal with the multitude of factors facing us all including resource scarcity, energy security, food security, unsustainable global population growth and globalisation.
''These pressures all render business-as-usual an impossible option.''
Will you be a fulltime mayor and why?
''Most certainly, because my commitment to co-operation, partnerships, strategic alliances and a multicultural approach to all issues needs time.
''I believe local solutions to local problems are found within, and communities need to build from the inside out.
''The council under my leadership would adhere to the values of honesty, trust, respect and forgiveness.''
What position do you think the district is in?
''While outwardly we are punching above our weight, underneath we are growing old too fast and have too many eggs in too few baskets.
''The ageing population limits our potential to improve the district and will become an increasing support service cost if we cannot address the demographic imbalance.
''This should not be too difficult, given our wonderful natural environment and superb farming skills.
'' As recent occurrences in milk and meat exports have shown, we are vulnerable to market vagaries and need to diversify our enterprise so we are more robust.
''The best way to respond to this is for council to become an enabler rather than a provider.''
What are three issues facing the incoming council and why?
''We need to look after our school and university leavers better, because they are our emerging leaders. Waitaki should do this best, including planned mentoring into employment and new enterprise.
''The Government has raised the bar on water supply so we have to face this issue squarely and do it as economically as possible.
''I favour a collaborative approach.
''I want to review council's procurement policy with a view to maximising the use of local contractors and professionals to minimise the leakage of rates from the district.''
What would be one thing you would like to have achieved by the end of your term, and why?
''Local residents will have a new sense of pride, identity and stability, coupled with fresh passion for participating in community and economic development where imagination, creativity and innovation are viewed as indispensable tools with which to survive and flourish.
''I would be very satisfied if I felt I had helped Waitaki to a position where it is better able to control its own destiny in the face of global and therefore local economic uncertainty.
''Success will be more diversity in enterprise, a more balanced demographic and individual communities will be taking more responsibility for their own affairs.''
David Wilson
Age: 55
Occupation: Civic and social organisation professional.
Marital status: Single, two daughters - Katie and Rebekah.
Council experience: During the past 30 years as a consultant working across New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Somalia and Malaysia, I have facilitated partnerships with local government in job creation, rural town revitalisation, small business expansion and retention, heritage tourism and regional economic development initiatives, 15 years as a national negotiator within the New Zealand Government overseeing Crown funding into rural and remote community enterprise.
Describe yourself in three words: Sincere, entrepreneurial, future-focused.