Why Andrew Simms: Accountability Starts with Council Spending
Watch the full episode of Dunedin Stories here
In his recent interview on Dunedin Stories, Andrew Simms states he isn’t anti-tax. He’s not against rates. But he is against public money being misused — especially when it fails the very people it’s supposed to support.
“I expect to pay tax, and I expect to pay my rates. And I expect the government or the council to use that money wisely — to look after the people that are less fortunate than me.”
A Belief in a Fairer System
It’s About Balance — Not Blame
Andrew grew up with modest opportunity in Dunedin — but he knows not everyone does. That’s why he believes a functioning council should reinvest wisely, supporting those who didn’t get the same start in life.
“As a society, we do have to have mechanisms that rebalance things — to look after those who didn’t have the education, or the start in life, that I had.”
Waste Isn’t Just Inefficiency — It’s a Failure of Leadership
For Andrew, waste isn’t a budget line — it’s a red flag. Mismanaged spending, bloated projects, and unclear priorities erode public trust. And when that trust is lost, someone needs to step up.
“If I see that money being wasted or misappropriated — used for things I don’t believe it should be — then I think I’ve got a role to play.”
A Campaign Rooted in Values, Not Politics
Andrew Simms didn’t set out to run for office — but seeing a system fail those it’s meant to serve compelled him to act. His 2025 Mayoral campaign isn’t about ambition. It’s about restoring purpose, discipline, and care to how Dunedin spends its money.
“That’s a big part of who I am.”
Authorised by Andrew Simms, andrew@simms.co.nz, 0274 346394
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