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Rex Francis SMITH

Rex Francis SMITH

Candidate for Albert-Eden Local Board (Maungawhau Subdivision)

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

I've lived next to Cornwall Park for over 40 years, and Albert-Eden is a community I've proudly served and care about deeply. I'm standing for a second term because Auckland is changing fast, and we need steady leadership to protect what makes our neighbourhood special. I bring decades of governance and commercial experience, including roles as Deputy Commissioner of Crown Lands; Regional Representative for the QE11 National Trust; Chair of Auckland Cricket; Trustee of Eden Park, and Board member of Cornwall Cricket Club. I've been made a life member of all three organisations, and have a New Zealand Order of Merit award for my service to community. I'll stand up for special character areas, sensible transport, environmental protection, and low rates. Our community deserves thoughtful leadership, not top-down decisions. I'm ready to continue to serve. I'd be honoured to earn your vote. Vote Rex Smith MNZM and C&R

Why I want to be elected

I have lived in the Albert Eden area for the past 35-40 years which shows how much I love the place! As a member of the C&R team, seeking reelection for a second term, I am committed to keeping rates low for our long-suffering ratepayers and deriving value for money for services; protecting our special character and heritage; maintaining weekly rubbish collections, and preserving our environment and open spaces; and ensuring sensible transport outcomes for our congested roads

My key skills and qualities

I am a strategic thinker with decades of governance experience in community and commercial organizations. My work experience has been mainly in property related fields with both central and local government organizations. I have a particular love for open spaces/the environment, and was Regional Representative for the QE 11 National Trust for many years. My contribution to the community was recognized through being awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016.

My top three key issues

As already mentioned, I am passionate about preserving, and where possible, creating open spaces for current and future generations to enjoy. I understand the need for housing intensification but am also gravely concerned about the governments push to establish up to 2 million homes in Auckland to the detriment of our special character and heritage areas, and our beautiful landscapes and landforms. I also want to see sensible transport decisions being made for our congested streets

My position on key topics

  • Transport

    I support increasing public transport while enabling our roads to be used by the majority of commuters/workers in privately owned vehicles. Cycleways for commuters should be provided but not at the expense of increasing congestion. I support greater council oversight of transport decisions

  • Water

    Watercare appear to be managing drinking water and wastewater effectively Healthy Waters are having greater difficulty managing stormwater. Replacing aging infrastructure should be a key priority

  • Built environment

    I do not support further urban sprawl and believe the rural/urban boundaries should be kept intact Intensification is necessary but needs to be done in a carefully planned manner carried out over time, as infrastructure improvements/developments take place Our special character and heritage features should be preserved wherever possible

  • Natural environment

    As the city develops through intensification and increasing population, there will be a need for more open space(s) for people to recreate/enjoy. Council should have policy of acquisition and introduce a requirement for developers to contribute more. I support biodiversity protection and the preservation of our trees. Flood prone areas should have development limited as we learn the lessons of recent climate events

  • Community

    supporting our many volunteer organisations who do such magnificent work in the community through grants; promoting events, music in parks and art; connecting different cultures to aid understanding; keeping library and pool services operating at full hours

  • Economic and cultural development

    continuing to support local businesses through a variety of funding opportunities, and maintaining good customer parking options

  • Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

    I support the Ports of Auckland as an essential part of Aucklands economic wellbeing but would like to see more of the waterfront being made available for public use if possible. I also support the Auckland Future Fund initiative and efforts to grow this fund for the benefit of Auckland ratepayers

Candidate's supporting links

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Disclaimer

The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.