Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Candidate statement
Wayne Walker brings leadership, experience, total commitment, integrity, values to Council. Albany Councillor Wayne's battled effectively for you on things that matter: saving North Harbour Stadium, progressing Penlink, wardwide flood recovery, water, wastewater, transport investment projects like Glenvar Road, ferries at West Harbour, Gulf Harbour, Hobsonville, reducing rates. Working with; strongly backing communities Wayne champions campaigns to ‘KeepTheCourse’ at Takapuna and Gulf Harbour, Western Springs Rugby, Concerts, Speedway, save Hobsonville Wasp Hangar for recreation, Orewa Beachfront reserve, saving heritage. Wayne gets things done, does his homework, always available - unafraid to question and challenge council for you. NZ champion public speaking, degree business organization, project management, past business owner-manager. Throughout life in the Ward, Wayne and wife Julie involve themselves in coaching, early childhood, church, local schools wardwide their children attended. Wayne's incredibly effective teamwork with John Watson on Council makes the difference. Putting People First (www.puttingpeoplefirst.nz) for Albany.
Why I want to be elected
Make Auckland the first class city that it can be; a great place to live work and play so that it attracts migrants who want to make it their home. A safe place to bring up children and grow old with communities that are strong and caring, a transport system that works efficiently for all including cars and council services that are affordable
My key skills and qualities
As an experienced Auckland councillor I know how council works and how it can work better for residents and ratepayers. With a commerce degree in management, organization and project management and the associated work experience I can help Auckland perform more efficiently and effectively. I enjoy working with people, communities and businesses to bring about results that are ‘best for Auckland’
My top three key issues
Getting increasing rates under control is the most important and most urgent issue – rates are simply unaffordable for many people. Where revaluations have occurred disproportionately some parts of Auckland have had excessive increases. This means making the council more efficient and trimming parts of the council that are wasteful such as Auckland Unlimited that runs the stadiums. We need to make the parts of the council that make money contribute more, like the Port of Auckland.
My position on key topics
Transport
The second harbour crossing issue should be resolved. Signalised intersections should be progressively upgraded to modern intelligent smart intersections using cameras and artificial intelligence to improve flows and a more cost-effective service. Ferry services become faster and more efficient based on foiling ferries that are future proofed for electric engines and batteries. Anticipate and adapt to new technologies including electric vehicles, autonomous driving as it arrives
Water
Wastewater facilities receive upgrades to enable properties to connect and meet environmental standards at locations like Army Bay. Establish best practice guidelines for commercial water users. Reduce stormwater infiltration into the sewage system that causes overflows – especially in the older parts of Auckland. Where possible provide stormwater alternatives that shift floodwaters efficiently to the coast to prevent significant flooding
Built environment
Retain the special character, heritage and viewshafts to our iconic Auckland landscape that make Auckland a special place to live. Prevent Auckland’s sprawl where possible, safeguard our special soils at Pukekohe, ban helipads in urban areas as occurs in cities overseas
Natural environment
Safeguard the Hauraki Gulf from overfishing and our coastline from exploitation. Incentivise the protection of special trees and the landscapes that make Auckland special. Re-start a fund for the purchase of Regional Parks and keep the successful Park Ranger service. Introduce quantitative controls on sediment management of developments to safeguard our estuaries and coastline from silting. Collaborate with community and environmental groups for pest management and control
Community
Ensure that parks and reserves grow proportionately with intensification instead of progressive reduction. Support financial models that assist communities to provide the facilities they need. Support library services, council operation of pools and leisure centres together with successful operators such as the YMCA. Reduce funding for Aktive to restore funding for community sport. Put together with government a more effective Homelessness programme, make our streets and communities safer
Economic and cultural development
Retain Speedway, Ponsonby Rugby and Concerts/Festivals at Western Springs, ensure fairer funding for Eden Park and Council Stadiums on a ‘best for Auckland’ basis. Work with government to put in place funding to bring events to Auckland so we can compete with overseas cities and attract acts such as Taylor Swift and Oasis are attracted to Auckland boosting the local economy. Put a plan together to rebuild retail activity in Queen Street
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Make more Council meetings and workshops open and information more transparent. Ensure key data on council’s operations is freely available to encourage innovation and the development of business cases. Ensure accountability, responsibility and authority are the guiding principles so that governance is democratic and the community has oversight of governance generally
Candidate's supporting links
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