Candidates running for the Horowhenua District Council in the Waiopehu ward say they'll stick up for rural voters. Lessening the burden for rural ratepayers and accommodating population growth are major focuses for council candidates in rural Horowhenua. The Waiopehu ward extends from Waitārere Beach to Manakau and includes Hokio Beach, Waikawa Beach and Ōhau. Mitchell said it was only fair the council improved rural roads, as the rural community paid the same roading rate as urban ratepayers. Richard Cornell said he was keen to reintroduce development contributions so rural ratepayers weren't stung so much for infrastructure for developments.

Source: Stuff October 10, 2019 01:41 UTC