Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Candidate statement
I first owned land on the Barrier in 1982, when I barged a dismantled church to Tryphena for our Little Goat property and fell in love with this place, the peace, the people, the untouched natural environment. In 2018, with the help of many talented locals, we built our permanent home in Kaitoke Lane, to where our six adult children often return and head for the surf! Since moving from architecture, I’m building a jam business based on sustainability principles, and now working with Aotea businesses to make the enterprise part of the island’s offering. I have always been involved in community organizations, e.g. Grey Lynn Community Board, and my professional experience included working on Auckland Council strategies in the Unitary Plan: infrastructure, resilience, flood protection and density. I am committed to a bold future for Aotea, advocating for the Gulf, and protecting the character of this special place. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-heap-232453363/
Why I want to be elected
I will: 1.0 Canvas the residents of Aotea Great Barrier Island (Aotea) to better understand their hopes and dreams for Aotea. 2.0 Present the interests of the residents of Aotea at the Aotea Local Board table to obtain agreement and an action plan. 3.0 Work with Auckland Council's staff on these interests so they are well founded, agreed and promoted by council staff in support of Aotea resident's interests. 4.0 Ensure these interests are seen and actioned by the Council's Governing Body.
My key skills and qualities
I am a good listener and am trustworthy. I enjoy working with people and therefore have enjoyed many positive project outcomes in my career. I have expert knowledge in sustainability, planning for infrastructure, land and buildings, asset management planning, property sales and purchases, contract and project management and engagement of services. I worked at the Auckland Theatre Company, on the Grey Lynn Community Board and held senior Auckland Council roles; all of value to Aotea LB.
My top three key issues
The sustainable future of our air, waters and land. The planet is at risk; we can act locally for the benefit of our fisheries, skies and food sources. My love of Aotea started when the population was 230; I now see the ongoing necessity to ensure the survival and growth of our native plants and species. I remember flocks of kereru back then and I want to see this again; this sustainable regrowth is included in our Local Board's 2025 /26 plans and budgets.
My position on key topics
Transport
Our roads, sea and air transport require plans for the next 50 years broken into 10 year chunks. The base information for these plans is found in demographic trend analysis and Asset Management Plans (AMPs) for roading, wharves and airports. The AMPs provide the budget requirements for council's funding streams. With our open spaces there are opportunities to separate walk and cycle ways from our roading network. Research shows use rises dramatically when these are separated from roads.
Water
Aotea is unique in having many wetlands to filter storm water before it runs to the ocean. These must be sustainably managed; avoiding destruction by infilling, ensuring no waste water enters these prescious resources. We need to avoid such contaminants entering our streams and beaches by the careful management of our residential waste water treatment systems. Rainwater is our main water supply. We should review supply options to meet changes in weather, demographics and future business needs.
Built environment
Aotea LB covers 285km2, an estimated population of 1260 and a density of approx 4 people per km2. By comparison, Waiheke has 61 people per km2 This density provides some comfort to our quiet enjoyment of our island. To this end Aotea needs to plan its land use carefully to ensure we retain a balance of residential, retail, business, industrial and open space uses. A review in 2008 provides for 9 settlement areas and these can be further scrutinised to ensure our growth is well managed.
Natural environment
Aotea residents enjoy partnerships with DOC (62% land management), council with its parks, reserves, beaches and resident properties. There is a joint management of these as Aotea residents engage passionately with these natural spaces, the seas and the life or biodiversity of our island. This is seen with the many local groups undertaking pest management, reforestation and wilding pine removal. This voluntary and paid work is to be supported by the Local Board going forward.
Community
The Local Board has demonstrated support for the many Aotea community groups and their aspirations. This support is enhanced through the maintenance, renewal and construction of both council and community owned facilities and services. The recent inclusion of new rural health services including extended after-hours, 24/7 on-call in-person clinical support and improved access to diagnostics and medicines shows the confidence Government has in Aotea's services.
Economic and cultural development
The Aotea GBI Destination Management Plan identified how Aotea can build a sustainable visitor economy: "that the visitor economy lifts productivity, champions the natural environment, cultural and historic heritage and improves the communities' lives as their region thrives because of the visitor economy". This Plan aims to boost economic growth, support local business and promote our cultural heritage.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Council's Maori outcomes framework (Tamaki Ora) is included in the Local Board's 2024/25 plan as a new measure. This will be delivered by identifiying opportunities for the Local Board to work with mana whenua, collaborating with iwi on projects of significance such as Tu Maui Taonga, Anu Moana, Tai Tu Moana and visitor information. In addition the plan creates a Maori identity in our parks and facilities by naming or renaming plces, signage that tells stories about heritage and installing pou.
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.