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
Aotea Great Barrier Island has been my permanent home for over 35 years. I have spent the past 21 years representing and advocating for our island during which I have built strong, inclusive and collaborative relationships with our community and the wider Auckland Council. In this upcoming term we have many challenges to face as we commence the transition from the Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan to the Auckland Unitary Plan; the protection and enhancement of our environment including dealing with exotic Caulerpa and marine protection whilst ensuring our community's way of life is safeguarded. We will need an experienced political voice to help guide us through the next three years. I have the time, energy and passion to give the next Local Board. Please consider my nomination and offer me your support to enhance and protect our unique island, Aotea Great Barrier.
Why I want to be elected
I will advocate for our island community to the best of my ability. I'll ensure that the voice of our community is heard and that the wider council family is fully aware of the complexities of our remote island and the unique lifestyle we have. So often we don't fit the box, and I want to make sure that our viewpoint is heard loud and clear.
My key skills and qualities
I have good collaboration and communication skills and an understanding of our community's needs. I have represented our island in Local Government for a number of years and bring skill and knowledge to the role of being an elected member. I am always contactable and have an open-door policy, it's important to me to be available to our community to assist them where I can.
My top three key issues
The wellbeing of our community is very important to me. To make sure their health needs are met, and opportunities are there for our youth. To help our seniors age at home with assistance from local providers. Local procurement is a must. Our contractors are skillful and should have the opportunity to tender for any council contracts that come to hand, that way all monies will remain on island with island families. Our unique environment must be protected, enhanced and sustainable.
My position on key topics
Transport
Our roading network, both sealed and unsealed, needs to be well maintained. We have no public transport on the island. We are dependent on air and ferry service for the transportation of people and freight to and from Aotea Great Barrier. Our wharves and airports need to be futureproofed to ensure our connectivity links are strong. I would be open to discussions around the possibility of subsidies for freight and transport to and from the island.
Water
Auckland's water should be managed by an entity such as Watercare and Healthy Waters. Water is a large complex issue for a region the size of Auckland and I believe it is best managed by a subsidiary of council.
Built environment
Urban development should not be allowed to take over Auckland's good arable land, careful planning needs to ensure that we can feed our region. Housing intensification, infrastructure and heritage protection need a careful lens otherwise we run the risk of becoming just another concrete city laden with housing towers and very little of our beautiful heritage preserved.
Natural environment
I would like to see the retention of the current Natural Environment Targeted Rate (NETR) that supports projects aimed at protecting and enhancing the natural environment that also includes the marine environment. I would see more money spent on our biodiversity as it is vital as to who we are not only as a region but also a country. Alternative energy and better education around climate resilience would be beneficial.
Community
Funding is key to assisting community wellbeing. This enables community groups and organizations to do the good work they do.
Economic and cultural development
Being aware of your community's businesses and the role they play helps you understand their needs. Our cultural heritage needs a collaborative approach with both iwi and early settler families to know what is important to them and what steps they would like to see develop to tell their respective stories. Economic growth for an island community needs to be done carefully so that you don't raise expectations that can't be forfilled.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
In my opinion Maori outcomes can only be obtained working with, listening and understanding Maori ways, this needs to be guided by them. Port of Auckland should be kept in council hands as it is part of our region's economy. I support the Auckland Future Fund providing it doesn't get tapped into for other things other than what it was set up for.
Candidate's supporting links
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