Abraham (Bram) van Berkel’s Invited Opinion Piece

[All contactable candidates for the 2024 Tauranga election were invited to supply CityWatch NZ with an opinion piece. Abraham van Berkel chose to supply answers to questions from constituents]

 

1. What Ward are you standing for and your contact details

My name is Abraham van Berkel (known as Bram) and are standing for the Te Papa Ward on the Tauranga City Council

I reside at 6 Durham Street on the fringes of the Tauranga CBD

My contact details are Phone: 0272 818 021 and/or Email: abrahamvanberkel@gmail.com

2. What skills do you bring to Council if elected

I have owned and managed my own businesses.  Built, worked for and led small and large companies.  Overseen and managed budgets over $100 million.  Engaged with Private, Government and Councils sectors as a Contractor, Consultant and Adviser.

I believe in accountability, common sense, innovation and attaining economic outcomes.

3. What do you consider are the priorities of Tauranga  

to economically resolve Tauranga’s traffic congestion, Tauranga city’s aging infrastructure (includes underground services), Tauranga’s projected population growth, provision of affordable parking and to continue with the regeneration of the city centre while not overlooking the rest of Tauranga.

Other considerations that Tauranga need addressing in the medium to long-term are:  Racecourse (multi-purpose enhancement), Hospital (expansion and carparking), Port (external hub, storage and reclamation), Airport (location, land and carparking), Projected sea-level rise (relocations and restrictions), Urban Spread (extent and impact on productive land), Multi-purpose Stadium (required and its location), Satellite metropolitan area (construction of secondary concentrated business / commercial / living area).

4. Where do you stand on the changes to Plan 33 for residential density in and around the city? (NOTE – This will impact on any intensification with Tauranga and its environments)

Growth will not go away, and this means more people and more of everything. Building heights are going to increase. The question is “How do we manage this”. I am a strong believer in “Air, Sun and Amenities”. This means, we provide environmental / living space and do not have tall buildings stacked up next to each other creating undesirable environments / surroundings.  For example, the repurposed carpark building has caused the following:

• Impacted on air movement which in turn caused mould to develop on adjacent buildings
• Dramatically reduced the amount of sunlight to over half of the apartments to only 1 to 2 hours of sun a day (less in winter when it is needed).
• Reduced outlooks as apartments are now engulfed by the adjacent building – 12 apartments will only see a massive, towering wall less than 4.0m away
• The new building height (greater than what was originally proposed) will greatly exceed the new proposed guidelines and extends into the flight area.

It is noted that the re-purposed carpark build was never tendered, never publicly notified, has the same builders as when the carpark was underway, and the new build utilises the same building base albeit with modifications. At the time of the original build, these issues where raised with Council (in writing) and the public but there was comeback and the issues that where raised have come home to roost.

As stated above densification is going to happen. If elected, I will ensure that any high-rise build is within Council rules and has adequate space for “Air, Sun and Amenities” and can be enjoyed by all.

Interesting Question for you to ponder – I wonder if the Council will allow an over-height building to be constructed between its new building and Davenport Towers?

5. What is your strategic vision for Tauranga City? i.e: What will the city look like in 10-15 years time?

This is a hard question to answer as anything can happen over the next 10 to 15 years time.  20 to 30 years  ago would we have expected Tauranga to be what it is today.  It was not that long ago that Matua was a series of orchards that fronted Waratah Road.  If we are fiscally responsible and have regard of our community, we can accommodate Tauranga growth in such a way that come the future, our children’s children will be in a position to enjoy good amenities, have good access in and  around the city, be proud to call it home, and looking to remain in Tauranga to raise their children.

6. Do you support an increase in Tauranga’s debt from $1 billion today to $3 billion in 10 years?

I am a strong advocate of living within our means.  Sometimes, we must borrow / increase our debt to achieve our desired goals.  This needs to be moderated against sound economic outcomes (both short term and long term) and the ability to repay that debt / borrowing.  The “nice to haves” will come after the essentials are in place.  as a simplistic example:  think of buying and maintaining a house / property and all its facilities so the residents have a liveable space that flourishes and cultivates diversity except on a vastly larger scale.

7. Do you support the planned 164% increase in rates revenue over the next 10 years?

This is dependent Tauranga ability to maintain its expected “Level of Service” to the people of Tauranga.  Tauranga is a growing city (not a village).  We need to undertake short, medium and long-term development / upgrades to maintain and build services that meet residents’ expectations.  The extent of projected rate increase will be determined by both internal and external factors.  Any increase(s) need moderation and able to be repaid.

8. Do you support prioritising the Civic Centre project before the Hewletts-Totara upgrade?

My background is Civil Infrastructure – as an advisor, consultant and contractor.  Tauranga Roading Network needs dis-entanglement.  Opportunities / Improved layouts are wide open depending on the depth of funds available.  Funds can be obtained from variety of sources and not just ratepayers.  Irrespective of this urgent need to reduce congestion, we need to be mindful of tourist / events that bring recognition, people and income to Tauranga.

9. Do you support funding the Civic Centre project via ratepayer levies, asset sales and increased parking charges?

As stated above, these structures make Tauranga, attract visitors and other identities / groups which puts income into Tauranga business pockets – not all goes directly into TCC coffers.  This makes Tauranga vibrant and a place to come to.  The extent / need of these types of structures need careful deliberation to ensure that there is benefit to the people of Tauranga.

10. Do you support current residential ratepayers paying for growth infrastructure?

Infrastructure needs to be maintained and upgraded as Tauranga grows because everyone obtains some form of benefit from these inputs.  In the case of a new build, there is a compelling argument that these and associated direct costs should be a cost on the new build.

11. Do you support TCC delivery of tsunami pedestrian evacuation routes from the coastline?

I do not believe that many people will be evacuating by foot as there is some distance between the low-lying areas to higher ground.  I support the need to highlight preferred routes for both pedestrian and traffic.  Points of congestion need to be noted and highlighted to all as this will delay evacuation.  Note: Whakaari is near to our coastline.

12. Do you support building a stadium at the Domain (estimated at $280 million excluding inflation)?

Tauranga needs a multi-purpose stadium.  The size and costs are determined by Tauranga’s needs / projected growth.  As to where it is placed, we need to consider access and associated infrastructure required to service it such as rail, roads, parking, utilities, lighting, etc.  Until we have all the facts, the current proposed location is open for examination considering what Tauranga has in place at Bayfair.  We got to stop the bleed.

13. Do you support TCC funding our economic development agency at $2 million dollars per year?

I am not fully knowledgeable as to how the agency operates and what the agency actually delivers.  If the agency encourages economic development that realises results which in turns benefits the Tauranga Community, I believe that funding should continue.

14. Do you support Māori Wards? Do you support the Treaty of Waitangi? Why?

My view is that this should be voted on in a referendum.   The question I raise is “If we have a Māori Ward representative on Council, do I represent those that voted within the Māori Ward or not”.  Personally, I am here to represent and to respect the views of all those within the Te Papa Ward irrespective of any other factor(s).  As a nonexpert, the Treaty of Waitangi seems to have many interpretations with lots of associated claims depending on what side of the fence you are on.  I believe in treating and respecting everyone the same no matter your culture, diversity and/or creed is