Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Trish DEANS
Candidate for Devonport-Takapuna Local Board
Independent
Candidate statement
I'm Trish Deans. For over 22 years, I've worked passionately for our community, as Co-Chair of Devonport Heritage, Deputy Chair of the Auckland Civic Trust, President of Grey Power, former Local Board member and more. These roles have given me the experience to advocate effectively for the issues that matter most to us. There's still work to do: addressing flooding, resolving Takapuna Library plans, solving the Milford-Takapuna walkway, and protecting Devonport's special character. As an independent candidate, I'm committed to a collaborative and transparent approach to decision-making always putting the community first. I have a proven track record: raising public funds $125,000 for Harmony Hall, initiating the Devonport Belmont Bayswater Emergency Response Plan, and ensuring heritage protection remains a government priority. I'm not tied to any party, but to you the people of North Shore. Please support me, Trish Deans, as your independent voice for the future of our community.
Why I want to be elected
There’s work to do: addressing flooding, resolving Takapuna Library plans, solving the Milford-Takapuna walkway, and protecting Devonport’s special character. I’m committed to a collaborative and transparent approach to decision-making. The constant low voter turn out demonstrates residents don't believe they are heard. I have a proven track record of building strong community links and advocating effectively for the issues that matter most, and work with North Shore communities.
My key skills and qualities
I’ve worked passionately for a number of years, for our community as; Co-Chair of Devonport Heritage, Deputy Chair of the Auckland Civic Trust, President of Grey Power North Shore, former Local Board member, Secretary to Harmony Hall fund raising group and Lead Coordinator for the Devonport, Bayswater and Belmont Emergency Preparedness group. I lead with integrity, respect and openness. I’ve built strong cross-board relationships building strong and collaborative connections across the region.
My top three key issues
Resolve the Takapuna Library stalemate. Currently $117,000 has been spent on consultants and the two promoted options fail to meet the needs of a modernized Library. Secure project funding for all stages of the Wairau flooding area. Consider and 'cost' the Shoal Bay Solution. Urgently get an answer. Control the building heights in our heritage areas to protect Auckland’s unique identity, and use the identified current land area for growth for well planned intensified housing, let's do it well.
My position on key topics
Transport
More trains and buses are needed. Services have been improving in frequency and reliability. But we need immediate funding for more trains and buses in the evening and at other times. Public transport needs to offer timetable-free services on as many routes as possible, for as many hours as possible. Whenever you turn up, there’ll be a bus or train along within 10 minutes. We have to become a city of public transport users.
Water
We must guarantee affordable and safe water services for everyone. The Water Care project the Central Interceptor and all other waste water upgrades are essential projects. Stopping the waste overflow into our two Harbours is vital. The severe weather events, as a result of Climate Change, will test our capacity to cope, and planning for managing the impact of these is a reality.
Built environment
Lets keep our iconic views. Auckland City’s volcanic viewshafts, are a unique. The viewshafts contribute to Auckland’s unique identity. Most viewshafts have been in place since 1977.Lets not would erode the visibility to the Maunga’s. There is a push by groups who wish to trade off and compromise the viewshafts. For them it’s about the loss of potential floorspace. The Unity Plan identified the identified current land area for growth for well planned intensification. Lets do it well
Natural environment
As Co-Chair of Devonport Heritage I have worked to ensure natural heritage sites have been been recognized and protected in the period of North Shore City Council and then with Auckland Council. Auckland Transport (AT) sought to impose a new parking plan on central Devonport. The AT plan was doomed. AT sought to add its voluminous signage to Devonport historic waterfront, add cost to residents, and destroy the plan that was working. At the Council's planning committee I exposed their weaknesses.
Community
I’ve worked passionately for a number of years, for our community as; Co-Chair of Devonport Heritage, Deputy Chair of the Auckland Civic Trust, President of Grey Power North Shore, former Local Board member, Secretary to Harmony Hall fund raising group and Lead Coordinator for the Devonport, Bayswater and Belmont Emergency Preparedness group. I lead with integrity, respect and openness. I’ve built strong cross-board relationships building strong and collaborative connections across the region.
Economic and cultural development
For our local North Shore area increasing visitor numbers will assist the local shopping areas. Auckland Council wants an increase in visitor numbers and the length visitors stay. We have the beaches, the Maunga's, the story of military sites, significant heritage sites and Devonport village. We have yet to fully utilize these assets as a drawcard for tourism. We have amazing stories to tell and share.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Its impossible to address all these issues in this box. Respect our Maunga's and retain the views they provide. Continue to add Iwi sites of significance to the Auckland Council Register. Go to https://www.dpt.nz/ to find the Devonport Peninsula Emergency Readiness Plan, as a lead coordinator of this community effort I urge you to read this document. Our community group works to inform our community about 'how to get ready'.
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.