Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Christina Jane Ringer ROBERTSON
Candidate for Albert-Eden Local Board (Ōwairaka Subdivision)
City Vision
Candidate statement
I love Albert-Eden. I grew up in Sandringham and I’ve studied, worked and played across this amazing part of Auckland. I’m proud to have spent two terms serving you on the local board, where I’ve focused my research and advocacy skills on meeting the challenges of a growing city. I’ve stood up for safe streets, affordable housing, and investing in parks, libraries and community centres. As a Mount Albert Pool trustee, I’ve helped secure a new pool accessway. I’ve worked with business associations to celebrate and enhance our town centres. I’ve supported community groups and helped flood-affected residents to have their voices heard at Council. My priorities are to secure a long-term future for Point Chevalier Library, to ensure Albert-Eden is included in flood resilience programmes, and to keep advocating for a transport network that works for everyone. Please vote for me and the City Vision team.
Why I want to be elected
I’m proud of the work I’ve done in my two terms on the Albert-Eden Local Board, and I want to keep making a difference for the Albert-Eden community and supporting the amazing locals and community groups who make a difference here every day. I’m standing so that I can continue working for safe streets, healthy reserves and streams, and smart investment in the parks and facilities our growing city needs.
My key skills and qualities
I love working with community groups and getting out and about at community events to listen and learn from Albert-Eden locals. I’m experienced at engaging with people from across our community and capturing diverse points of view to develop a local board plan that helps everyone thrive. I have a strong background in research, policy and analysis, so I have the skills to monitor local board budgets and work programmes and ensure we get the best outcomes for our community.
My top three key issues
A safe, efficient transport system that works for everyone: great public transport, safe bike networks, and most importantly, streets where it’s safe for everyone to walk. A permanent community hub in Point Chevalier town centre, including space for both a library and a community centre. Funding more environmental restoration along Waitītiko Meola Creek and Te Auaunga Oakley Creek, to build on the opportunity from the Central Interceptor reducing wastewater overflows into our urban streams.
My position on key topics
Transport
My priority is an efficient, well-functioning and safe transport network. To reduce congestion and ensure everyone can travel safely, we need good access to frequent buses and trains, safe bike facilities, and local streets that are safe to walk, bike and scoot on (including well-maintained footpaths). With the CRL opening next year and more trains coming, it's also crucial to grade-separate level crossings for safety and efficiency, and to ensure easy access to stations from surrounding areas.
Water
The Central Interceptor will deliver a huge increase in wastewater capacity in central Auckland, and reduce wastewater overflows into urban waterways. We should build on that investment by continuing with stormwater separation. We should also expand Healthy Waters' Making Space for Water programme to reduce the impact of flooding, and continue Watercare's investment in maintaining and upgrading the wastewater and drinking water networks, including through efficiency requirements for new builds.
Built environment
Auckland's housing stock has not kept pace with its population, and we need housing that offers people options for homes that suit their stage of life, from family homes to smaller homes for young people starting out or older people ageing in place. With good planning and community consultation, we can ensure new homes are well designed and well located, close to jobs and education, and that the best of Auckland's heritage is identified and protected.
Natural environment
Daylighting streams, as with the magnificent Te Auaunga project in Walmsley and Underwood Parks, is a win for biodiversity, for flood resilience, and for recreation. Planting more native trees both sequesters carbon and cools the city. We have amazing community groups in Albert-Eden working to restore biodiversity, from trapping predators to weeding and planting, and working with these groups to establish eco-corridors will benefit biodiversity far beyond our parks and reserves.
Community
Keeping in touch with community needs and aspirations as we develop our Local Board Plan ensures we deliver the right services. A wide range of community events and activities brings communities together, from the most local Neighbours' Day events to major events such as the Sandringham Festival. The local board can also strengthen local communities through libraries and community centres, through partnering with local community groups, and by offering grants for grassroots community projects.
Economic and cultural development
Partnering with business associations and Business Improvement Districts is crucial to helping our town centres thrive. Supporting a vibrant programme of local events, including those organised by business associations and BIDS, brings visitors to contribute to the local economy and raises the profile of Albert-Eden businesses. We can also promote our cultural heritage through community events, and through supporting a wide range of projects and groups with our grants and arts funding.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I hope to further develop relationships with mana whenua and mataawaka in the Albert-Eden area, and build on existing relationships to partner with local Māori organisations to deliver projects that promote Māori culture and wellbeing. The local board can also support the use of te reo Māori, support toi Māori through grants and our arts programme, advocate for sites of cultural significance to be protected, and partner with mana whenua when developing plans to enhance our parks and reserves.
Candidate's supporting links
These links to external websites have been provided by the candidates. The content on these websites does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.