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Ross BANNAN

Ross BANNAN

Candidate for Albert-Eden Local Board (Ōwairaka Subdivision)

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

I'm Ross Bannan, a long-time Pt Chevalier resident with deep roots in the Mt Albert area. As a self-made business owner and tradesman, I bring real-world experience, not theory. I've built a successful construction company from the ground up, co-authored the NZ Concrete Building Code, and supported young Kiwis in sport and career development. I believe in responsible spending, practical solutions, and strong local leadership. I'm someone who understands how hard it is to earn a dollar and how important it is to spend it wisely. With my business transitioning to the next generation, I'm ready to give back to the community that's supported me. I'll bring common sense, accountability, and a strong work ethic to the table. Let's focus on what works and build a better future - together. Vote Russ Bannan and C&R.

Why I want to be elected

I have lived in Pt Chevalier for the last 31 years and have seen a lot of changes over the years. I've put myself forward as I'm seeing a lot of discontent with how our community is declining with social crime and poor housing planning. There is little point in just talking about it so I'm prepared to stand up and do something about it. I want to see positive changes in the Albert/Eden area so all local residents, sports clubs etc and businesses benefit. Community money well spent not wasted.

My key skills and qualities

I bring real life experience of running my own successful businesses for the past 33 years. Any projects I've focused on, I have endeavored to complete to a high standard. I believe in research and getting information from a variety of sources to understand the consequences of each decision I make. I'll make decisions based on fact, not emotion or by headlines that don't reveal the truth behind the end result.

My top three key issues

Reducing crime in our area and working with the agencies involved to do this. Over my past 31 years living locally I have seen and experienced the rapid decline of respect to the neighbourhood and to the environment. Reducing Council's wasteful spending. I know how contracts work and can bring a wealth of knowledge to making sure our dollars are spent wisely. Revitalising our main streets and community spaces to encourage vibrant, welcoming areas for the whole community to enjoy.

My position on key topics

  • Transport

    Public transport is a must for our area but there should be consideration for residents too. Buses should not be idling outside properties. Encouraging that future developments have off street parking as part of the consents. Cycle lanes are fantastic but we need to be practical when designing the routes, looking carefully at how they integrate with traffic to make sure it is safe for all. Open the Motat parking area access on Meola Rd to aid parking for the sports field and the dog park.

  • Water

    We should be upgrading services rapidly as our area is developed. Look into the overflow systems to make sure our local areas are not being polluted. Look at why there is so much rubbish being flushed into our waterways and educate people to not litter so we can protect our environment.

  • Built environment

    I'm disgusted with the urban planning decisions being made locally. We're getting slums built for quick individual profit with no overall concept on design or long-term value. Our streets are becoming carparks for greedy developers who maximise sites with no respect for the neighbourhood. We should be approving quality homes not temporary shacks stacked on top of each other. All new developments should have off street parking.

  • Natural environment

    Parks and open spaces need to be looked after better. We still have storm damage to areas from early 2023 and temporary hire fencing in place. Developing walkways / cycleways around our community should continue but within our means. Vanity projects need to be restricted for now until we have our economy back in the black after years of overspending, resulting in huge Auckland council rates increases.

  • Community

    Supporting local sports clubs and communities with necessary funding where required. Having our younger generation learning respect and life skills within a team etc is invaluable for their development and our community. Making sure local project costs are scrutinized before the money is spent which will enable more support for these organisations. I'd much rather have funds available for our local youth groups than paying contractors inflated fees.

  • Economic and cultural development

    I'll be right behind local groups and individuals trying to avoid unnecessary red tape and costs to set up in our community. Working with individuals and understanding the complexity of council requirements is an area I understand well.

  • Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

    We still need to understand the effects of the storm damage in Auckland and get it fixed immediately. Making sure maintenance of our services is actually worked on, within a scheduled program so nothing is ignored or forgotten again. Making sure any temporarily fixed areas are finalised and completed in a timely fashion. I'm interested in positive outcomes for everyone in our community so we all benefit together.

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.

Disclaimer

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