Ngā kaitono poari kaitiaki raihana ā-waipiro 2025Licensing trust candidates 2025

Birkenhead Licensing Trust

Candidate statement

I am seeking election to the Birkenhead Licensing Trust to serve our community with integrity, inclusivity, and local insight. With a background in sport administration, events, and community programmes, I bring practical experience in delivering initiatives that create meaningful impact. Having grown up in Birkenhead and now living in Beach Haven, I’m passionate about ensuring equitable access to active recreation and local opportunities for all – across every part of our vibrant community. I bring leadership experience in operations and logistics, alongside a proven track record delivering community-focused outcomes. I believe the Trust’s resources should be used transparently and strategically to boost opportunities for all local groups, especially in sport, youth, arts, and culture. If elected, I will ensure grant allocations reflect diverse needs across Birkdale, Beach Haven, Birkenhead, Glenfield, and Northcote. My passion is building vibrant, connected communities where every woman, child, and whānau thrives.

Birkenhead Licensing Trust

Candidate statement

Kia Ora, as a current member of the Birkenhead Licensing Trust I am seeking re-election. Having proudly served this community I have a strong understanding and knowledge of the needs of our local community, sporting groups and schools. I have seen first-hand the dedication, energy and amazing results from these organisations and I understand the funding difficulties that they face. As a trustee I'm proud to advocate for our local groups. As the current President of the Trust I have helped to steer the Licensing Trust through a difficult economic environment in order to continue to have funds coming back into our community. I wish to oversee a strategy to ensure the future of the Trust. I have experience as a member of the Kaipātaki Local Board and have a MPhil in Public Policy. I grew up in Kaipātaki and live in Beach Haven with my husband and two boys.

Birkenhead Licensing Trust

Independent

Candidate statement

Rochelle lives with her family in beautiful Beach Haven and proudly calls North Shore home. She has a strong business background and works in central government as a community engagement advisor, ensuring community voices are heard in policy development. Her husband operates a local architectural fabrication company, giving Rochelle insight into the kind of leadership and values that help businesses on the Shore thrive. Rochelle has volunteered for many years with local organisations, including coaching, fundraising, and leading projects. She currently serves as a board member and a secretary of a large community club, helping to drive positive change and community spirit. Rochelle understands the importance of transparency and financial responsibility. She brings strong communication skills and governance to the table and is committed to making fair, thoughtful decisions that reflect local values, ensuring the Licensing Trust continues to deliver lasting value and positive impact for our unique community.

Birkenhead Licensing Trust

Independent

Candidate statement

Longest serving member of the Trust (2004-2025). With my fellow current trustees we have worked diligently in the successful operation of our business, Good Home, Birkenhead and Inn Field, Glenfield. Trustees have worked hard and kept businesses in stable financial positions despite the severe impact of Covid on the current economic climate of the hospitality industry. Gaming funds, collected at our businesses are distributed back to our local area for the benefit of our residents and community. I am extremely involved in the community, having lived and raised my family here for the last 55 years. I always represent local views fairly and understand and love the area I live in. I'm seeking another term to serve my community.

Birkenhead Licensing Trust

Candidate statement

I have a passion for our community and the Trust plays a key role in financially supporting our community groups. The business and management skills I have compliment the BLT which has resulted in over $4m distributed to our community groups over the last three years. I am a member of the Birkenhead Volunteer Fire Brigade and have served over 40 years' service and currently hold the position of Brigade Support Officer. I have held several senior management positions and am currently employed by Turners Automotive Group as General Manager and serve alongside the Senior Leadership Team. I believe the experience that Paula, Marilyn, Liz and I have is complimentary to growing and developing the Trust and we would appreciate your support in serving our community for another term.