Approaches & Responses

Hi Pat

Thank you for your email and for raising this important issue. This is not a simple yes/no.

I absolutely support any legislation that returns decision-making for our community back to the community. Decisions on local matters like water fluoridation should sit with elected councils who are accountable to their residents.

However, having reviewed the Bill, I note it also proposes a binding referendum. While I support councils having the ability to consult with their communities, a binding referendum can be extremely expensive, potentially running into hundreds of thousands of dollars, and I do not believe those costs should be forced onto local councils or ratepayers.

It should be up to local councils to decide on how they consult with their communities on this.

So in short:
Yes — I support returning decision-making on fluoridation to local councils.
No — I do not support legislation that forces councils to hold costly binding referendums to do so.

Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to clarify my position.


Regards,


Michael Ennis

Dear Peter

Thank you for your email.

I want to be absolutely clear: I strongly support fair and reasonable rates, transparency, and accountability in council decision-making. These are central to my campaign and my values.

However, I cannot in good conscience sign a pledge that reduces such a complex issue to a single formula, without consideration for the actual costs faced by our district, or the impact on essential services that residents rely on. Good governance requires thoughtful decision-making, community consultation, and careful scrutiny of spending, not blanket commitments that may limit our ability to respond to real challenges.

As a candidate, I have committed to:
• Ensuring every dollar spent is subject to scrutiny and delivers value for ratepayers,
• Pushing for greater transparency in council finances and decisions,
• Keeping the focus on core services, while avoiding wasteful or “nice-to-have” spending.

I stand as an independent candidate. That means I am accountable only to the people of the South Ward and the wider Hurunui community, not to outside lobby groups, however well-intentioned they may be.

I will continue to campaign on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community voice. Ratepayers deserve no less.


Regards,


Michael Ennis
Candidate – Hurunui District Council, South Ward
03 314 3344

Thank you for sending me your candidate survey.

As a strong supporter of free speech, I believe it is important that all perspectives can be expressed fully and fairly. However, I noticed that your survey format does not allow for comments or context alongside responses. For me, the ability to explain and qualify views is essential to genuine free expression.

For this reason, I will not be completing the survey in its current form. I remain committed to defending open dialogue, respectful debate, and ensuring our community’s voices are heard.

Regards,
Michael Ennis
Candidate – Hurunui District Council, South Ward