Krishna Reddy - Candidate for the East Ward in Hamilton City Council

(picture courtesy: Hamilton City Council’s official candidate profile here https://www.yourcityelections.co.nz/candidate/krishna-reddy/22)

Tell us a bit about your (and/or your family’s) New Zealand journey. (in 400 words please)

I am originally from Fiji, came NZ to study in 1987 and stayed on. I am an academic by profession. I have experience in banking, governance, financial analysis. 80% of my family classify as Maori. Came to live in Hamilton because it was an affordable and safe place to live and raise family.

What motivated/prompted you to stand for local government elections this time? Please also indicate which area/position you are standing for.

I am concerned about HCC rates increases which is 9.7% this financial year and will increase by 3.8% every year for the next 10 years. When the average income is $52,000 and pension is $20,000, retired and young families are facing hardship. It is time to take action.

What are the issues concerning the area (ward/council/city) you are standing in? (please list four main)

Issues that concern Hamilton are: rates, debt, losses made by assets, lack of accountability and transparency

Christchurch mosque attacks changed/or should have changed/ how multiculturalism is viewed in New Zealand. Please share some concrete suggestions on how all of us can work together to make Aoteoroa New Zealand a more diverse, inclusive, and multicultural society.

Christchurch attack has changed New Zealand's perspective forever. Everyone thought that it will never happen in our own backyard but it is real now. It seems that GCSB has set the guard too low and it allowed such activities to flourish. We need good education and we need to have better engagement with the community we live in. Be good neighbour and be good to everyone.