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Neil SANDERSON
Candidate for Aotea/Great Barrier Local Board
Candidate statement
I currently work at the Aotea Learning Hub and have served on the Local Board for the past three years. My family has lived here on Great Barrier Island for seven generations. There are many aspects of our island that make it special; from our strong sense of community, to our shared struggles and the island’s unique environment. I also realise that there are many difficult and distinct challenges that face our island. These challenges can only be resolved together. I believe strongly in dedicated support for our community groups who tend to the needs of our community. To help face these challenges and to strengthen what makes our island special, I would once more offer my nature as a calm, honest and dependable individual who strives to see our island improve. I would love to receive your vote and it would be an honour to represent this community again.
Why I want to be elected
If elected, I will continue to grow in my experience in the role of Local Board Member. I intend to continue supporting our local community groups and local projects that will improve our island. I aim to make informed decisions that will improve the quality of life on island and engage with the community to the best of my ability.
My key skills and qualities
The qualities I will bring to the role if elected are some key aspects of my nature. I am calm, kind and dependable. In terms of skills, I am good listener, I am proficient in the use of technology and have some experience in the role.
My top three key issues
Education is a key issue to me, I want to help support our three primary schools and provide opportunities for our youth. Keeping our community spirit is another important issue - change is inevitable but I want to preserve all the things that make the island special. Finally as mentioned previously in my election question - I want to keep supporting hardworking community groups who provide the services our island needs.
My position on key topics
Transport
Keeping our roads in good condition is of course, a priority - especially given that we only have one main artery for the island. Coastal erosion is a threat to many parts of our key transport network. Our ports (both sea and sky) are another main transport network that is a priority - given they provide a major role in the delivery of people and goods to the island. I am happy to continue supporting our walkway options on island.
Water
The island's water issues are very different from the mainlands. For the island, I believe in supporting water supply options, both in terms of emergency situations and for our community buildings.
Built environment
Again, our issues differ from the mainland. Of these three - housing is the problem that stands out most to me. My thoughts are that it is a tough problem and I wish deeply that I knew how to resolve it. Perhaps collaboration in the community may yield some results that will improve the issue?
Natural environment
Now this question has much more relevance for Aotea. Our island's natural beauty is worthy of protection. We have some endangered flora and fauna that are not found elsewhere. We have several environmental groups that help preserve and protect our island. It is also important that we strengthen our island's infrastructure to manage against the pressures of erosion and climate change. I also want to continue to support and improve our local parks/preserves.
Community
We have some outstanding people in our community. People who dedicate their time to improving our community in a myriad of ways. From our health team and our volunteer emergency response teams (Fire/Coast Guard) to our many community groups - we have people willing to put in the time and effort to strengthen and serve and island community. They are the people who I wish to support in this role, they are the people who build a strong, connected community.
Economic and cultural development
Our island's economy fluctuates with the seasons. Our island surges with visitors over the summer season and quietens down over winter. Our tourism is very important to the island and I would be happy to continue promoting the island as a visitor destination. However, outside of tourism I would like to support our other local businesses such as agriculture, horticulture and local industry. I value innovation and sustainability. Our heritage is important and we have a rich history.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
As I mentioned in the above paragraph, our heritage is important and we have rich history on the island - from the early Maori settlers to the European pioneering families, many people have deep roots in the island. Our two maraes are a vital part our community and I would be happy to continue support for them. We also have an excellent Te Reo class, run by an excellent tutor and I would be happy to continue supporting such initiatives.
Candidate's supporting links
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