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The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
William Paul CHALMERS
Candidate for Albert-Eden Local Board (Maungawhau Subdivision)
City Vision
Candidate statement
I set up and ran an IT business in Mt Eden for 20 years, following a successful purchase and sale of the Ford Alloy Wheel Plant in Wiri. Now I'm retired, I'm keen to use my experience and skills to speak for our local community. I strongly believe local voices need to be heard for good decision making. I understand how to get things done, having experienced governance roles as past chair of the Western Springs College Board and founder of the Africa New Zealand Business Council. I enjoy golf at the Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, cycling on the Western Cycleway and I'm a member of a great local seniors' fitness class. I believe in getting stuck in and working on making our place better, so I'm a rat trapper at my local park and support the Tree Council. Please vote for me and the City Vision team.
Why I want to be elected
After living and running a business in Albert-Eden for over 20 years, I want to use my experience to make a difference to the community, and to protect and enhance what makes Albert-Eden special. I have significant experience in both business and community development, including founding a successful education business, buying a large manufacturing operation, chairing my local secondary school board, founding the Africa NZ Business Council, and volunteering with local environmental groups.
My key skills and qualities
I bring in-depth experience with business and project management solutions, including Six Sigma, PMI and the Ford Production System. I have a Masters in performance management and regularly consult with firms and organisations on getting the most from their staff. I have a sound understanding of business financials, which I will use to ensure the Local Board prioritises its spending effectively and gets value for money from its projects.
My top three key issues
1. Enhance built environment - ensuring developments include suitable infrastructure, public spaces and tree protections, before consents are approved. 2. Effective community involvement - in both small scale developments and larger public and private projects to ensure consents meet standards and the community are listened to. 3. Getting rid of pests and weeds in our parks to encourage the return of native birds and trees.
My position on key topics
Transport
Ensuring people have access to public transport frees up space on our roads for people who need to travel by car. This is not rocket science. Encouraging people to exercise by cycling and while freeing up space on our roads, is also a fairly simple contribution to a problem of increasing congestion.
Water
The Central Interceptor is going to significantly improve our sewage management - as a Sea Scout Leader at Coxs Bay, we were constantly checking the pollution levels before sailing. Improving water supply storage capacity also needs to be a priority given that, according to recent research, long term resilience demands consideration of desalination and purified wastewater options.
Built environment
I favour an intensification strategy that includes sitting down with local communities and getting their insights and feedback on development .
Natural environment
I am a member of my local park restoration team that is working to remove both noxious plants and animals such as rats and moth plant and privets.
Community
I am connected to a range of communities from my Neighbourhood Support Group, my Trapping and Planting group, my seniors interactions with fitness classes at my local gym, to my visits to friends in local Retirement Villages. I am also Chair of my local Labour Party Branch.
Economic and cultural development
It is clear that the economic revival strategy being employed by the current government is not working. Austerity economics is a simplistic approach that leads to business stagnation and higher unemployment - both these features we are now witnessing. Our low wage, low skill economy is creaking along as our brightest head overseas. We need to support local businesses by encouraging Council's current Business Improvement District strategy.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I fully support engagement with Maori in forums of their choosing. I believe strategic assets should be owned by the community and run as efficient businesses. The Auckland Future Funds aims to diversify the investment gained from the sale of a dead set investment winner in the Auckland Airport shares. I wish the AFF good luck.
Candidate's supporting links
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