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The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Scott Andrew MACARTHUR
Candidate for Devonport-Takapuna Local Board
A Fresh Approach
Candidate statement
A Belmont home owner and qualified town planner with 21 years’ experience, including certification as a hearings commissioner, I possess in-depth understanding of Council’s regulatory processes and the legislative rules that underpin them. Housing is a critical issue for our community, and tensions exist between the need for development and the need to maintain uniqueness of place. I will advocate for the concerns of residents as we manage this growth, including ensuring on-street parking is properly managed. My passion is for quality urban design, supported by well-connected and effective transport provision. I love our unique area, including our open space and coastlines, and will champion a network of boardwalks that connect us to our natural environment. Solutions-focused and collaborative, I will be a skilled and sensible member of the Local Board. I look forward to working on your behalf and championing progress. Give six ticks to A Fresh Approach.
Why I want to be elected
My passions are urban design and transport. I am keen to see a bus shelter at every bus stop in the Devonport Takapuna Local Board Area. I will also advocate for increased bus frequencies, extension of coastal boardwalks along the western side of the peninsula and effective management of on-street parking, such as fixing busy roads like Northboro Road which is often blocked by on street parking. I will be a sensible but future focussed board member.
My key skills and qualities
I am a qualified town planner with more than 20 years experience, 15 of which were at the Council. I have a very good understanding of the Councils processes and the laws that they work under so can hit the ground running on the Local Board. I believe I have a pragmatic approach, and I am keen to see our area improving and making progress which means compromises are some times required. I will consider evidence and the views of directly affected people when making decisions.
My top three key issues
Improving Public Transport - we need to ensure better frequency and amenity for bus users noting many people do not drive. Urban Planning - With my skills in urban planning I will ensure we zone for growth in the right areas and ensure proper design controls so we get the right growth while protecting our heritage and environment. Fun Places For Our Kids - I would love to see waterslides at the Takapuna Leisure Centre and upgrades to facilities in our parks to ensure our youth are occupied.
My position on key topics
Transport
I have a balanced approach to transport. This means considering the needs of all users - car drivers, public transport users, cyclists and pedestrians. This will enable people to choose the travel modes that best suit them rather than being forced into other modes due to safety concerns or a lack of options. More bus shelters, safer crossing points for pedestrians and properly managing on-street parking are a key focus for me.
Water
I support continued investment in our infrastructure to ensure than urban growth is properly supported and doesn't harm our environment. I support the proposed work to provide flood storage at AF Thomas Park to ensure that existing flooding around the Wairau is managed. We must ensure the solution also protects business land around Wairau Road which is further up the catchment.
Built environment
I support the Councils strategy of focussing increase density and building height in our centres. However, we must improve the rules around this development to ensure that apartment buildings are attractive, provide appropriate amenity to their occupants, provide space for trees, and are respectful to their surroundings.
Natural environment
I would like to see more focus on pest management and ensuring pest plants and trees are actively removed. I would also like to see more done to stop plastic and other rubbish reaching our harbours through upgrades to the stormwater system.
Community
It’s a challenging funding environment but I would like to see us retaining existing library hours and levels of service at our parks and community centres. We should explore options of giving contracts (e.g lawn mowing) to local businesses to support our own people while also achieving cost savings.
Economic and cultural development
I will continue to support our Business Improvement Districts and champion what makes our local towns and centres as great places for shopping, leisure and recreation.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
As a local board member I will advocate for further devolution of powers to the local boards, including decision making over the transport network and access to more funding so that we can properly maintain our assets and also build new ones that are desirable to our community (for example waterslides at Takapuna Leisure Centre).
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.