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
Devonport citizen for 32 years with an extensive community presence spanning roles with the Victoria Theatre, Devonport & Shepherds Park squash clubs, the JETS community run and North Shore rugby club as manager for four years. Community life is vital to a healthy society and my passion and advocacy has invigorated each of these organisations. As well as being an expectant grandfather I retain a strong connection with youth through my squash coaching and mentorship. I believe in cycleways as part of a sustainable and integrated transport network. My 'Keep our Open Spaces' motto is more relevant than ever with the pressure on urban space and design. As a chartered accountant I will strive to get optimal value with local board funding being cut by 25%. I believe an independent member will add balance and counter the transitory nature of local board teams. Please vote for me.
Why I want to be elected
For the past 30 years I have worked within such organisations as the Victoria Theatre, North Shore rugby club & Devonport Squash club. My intent in standing for local board is to leverage this platform of experience to identify and support valuable community facilities such as these. As a board member I would also ensure that critical infrastructure is safeguarded and critique the nature of housing development.
My key skills and qualities
My experience at governance level dealing with diverse individuals would be advantageous in achieving consensus within the local board. Under the catchphrase “build it and they’ll come” I impart energy and enthusiasm to make things happen and enable organisations to forge ahead. As a Chartered Accountant I can apply a critical filter to ensure successful financial outcomes which has been the case with all community organisations with which I have been involved.
My top three key issues
1. Supporting well-patronized community spaces. Essential for the well-being of local citizens who have a range of pathways for their sporting, artistic, cultural and networking endeavours, 2. Promoting a healthy environment with essential investment in the coastline & parks. Both from a climate control & local resident perspective there is real need for a healthy outdoor environment. 3. Efficient transport infrastructure embracing public transport, roads & cycleways.
My position on key topics
Transport
There is a clear cross-over between all these transport options and scope for consensus as to what is best for all. I'm a cycling advocate and aware of its recent popularity fuelled by the advent of electric bikes. Creating an effective transport corridor down Lake Rd is a long-term proposition but I would commit energy to achieving some progress with a view to devising a viable outline plan.
Water
Having read the Watercare business plan I'm aware of the significant pending investment notably in the wastewater area which will saddle Watercare with considerable new debt. Given this scenario it is vital that sufficient investment is made to avoid a repeat of the Auckland floods situation, clean up the Wairau estuary and minimise storm water and the recurrent sewerage & stormwater outfalls along the North Shore coastline.
Built environment
As a Devonportian I believe that the heritage value of my local area is worthy of protection. Having travelled to many open homes with my daughter recently I have witnessed a number of inappropriate developments which has emphasised to me the need for continued regulation. Nonetheless, the arrival of high-density housing has been both inevitable and beneficial in creating affordable housing for first home buyers.
Natural environment
Safeguarding parks and reserves in the DTLB area is vital to the health and well-being of the local populace. Recent trips to Long Bay reserve and the Lyford Reserve in different ways offer the opportunity to escape from the urban landscape and breathe in fresh air. Separately, the decision whether to sacrifice a section of the Takapuna golf club is a fraught one but I believe the welfare and livelihood of local citizens may need to come first in that scenario.
Community
In aggregate I have held 50 years of community governance roles both upgrading local facilities and offering opportunities to improve health & well-being. During this time I have proudly represented such organisations as the Shepherds Park and Devonport Squash Clubs, North Shore Rugby Football Club, Victoria Theatre and JETS community run. Physical health & mental reliance benefit significantly from community interaction.
Economic and cultural development
Ultimately, individuals make their own business decisions and business owners resolving to go down that path just need an environment freed of unnecessary impediments to make it worth their while. Our area abounds in enterprising individuals but the prevailing economic recession has made it hard to get ahead. Board members need to get alongside and celebrate local businesses and help them forge a path to success. Celebrating our local, diverse cultures will also be critical.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Significant investment has certainly been made by Auckland council to achieve better Mãori outcomes. I have concerns that the Asian population, now representing 29% of the local population, need appropriate representation alongside the 66% identifying as European. Post-Auckland floods, investment in flood protection is vital and the role of Ports of Auckland important but seemingly outside the local board ambit
Candidate's supporting links
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