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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.
Amanda HOPKINS
Candidate for Franklin Local Board (Wairoa Subdivision)
Team Franklin
Candidate statement
I have lived on the Pohutukawa Coast for over 20 years, served the last three years as your Local Board Member and have been active in local community organisations for many years. With continuing growth and poor infrastructure, my focus is on roading, ferries and access to public transport, public spaces, our environment, supporting arts and events, planning for the future and ensuring the best outcomes for our communities. Team Franklin has a track record of getting things done. Problem solving, persistence and collaboration works. We understand Council and have good working relationships. I worked for many years in the international financial markets before returning to Auckland with my family. I also love sports and am a Board Member of Tennis Auckland and Fencing NZ. I am committed to working towards providing a better future for our communities.
Why I want to be elected
I will continue pushing for better and safer roads, planning for infrastructure and our fair share of funding. We have significant challenges ahead with growth across our subdivision. We choose to live in this beautiful area but we need to fight for basic services and facilities, and action to protect what we have. I will continue to fight for our environment and push back on inappropriate commercial activities. I will continue to work with local groups to get the best outcomes for Wairoa.
My key skills and qualities
I have a financial, economics and scientific background. I am used to reading reports and research. I have significant governance experience. I am active in the community and am comfortable in presenting to groups of people. I am not afraid to question and I am a problem solver.
My top three key issues
Growth and the lack of infrastructure. We suffer increasing traffic, road deterioration and lack of investment. Fight for fair funding Environment - the changing climate causing erosion and flooding. Increasing pressure from growth leading to inappropriate land use. Look after our environment - plant and animal pest control. Waste management. We have a major landfill and many managed fills.. We have wastewater treatment issues. Reduce use of plastics in favour of natural products in our parks.
My position on key topics
Transport
Road upgrades where growth is planned - particularly Beachlands/Maraetai and including the Whitford Bypass. Upgrade dangerous intersections across Wairoa. Maintain our rural roads and upgrade where necessary. More frequent ferries from Pine Harbour and bus routes to growing settlements. Ensure planning is ongoing for increased usage. Continue with our paths' plans for shared use - walking, cycling and bridle trails.
Water
Watercare should take responsibility for wastewater and water for our settlements to ensure best practice and quality. Individual developer run wastewater systems have not worked and droughts have led to issues with bore supplied water. Assessment of storm events - Clevedon for example where rivers, streams, tidal pressures and managed fills are all causing issues should be monitored and assessed on a wider cumulative basis.
Built environment
Rural settlements should be designed on the basis that residents will have more than one car as there is limited transport. Council have to keep up with basic infrastructure. The heritage buildings we have should be protected where appropriate.
Natural environment
Support our natural environment initiatives, pest control, weed control and biodiversity. Support native plants but also exotics where they benefit the land and communities. Monitor run off from land use activities, sedimentation and the proliferation of mangroves. Protect the coastline where appropriate - don't wait until it is too late and infrastructure is destroyed.
Community
I support our partnerships with community groups to deliver initiatives within their communities where there are efficiencies and accountability. Support funding sports and recreation activities and facilities. Will fight for fairer funding to maintain, improve and build new facilities where needed.
Economic and cultural development
I support continuing to fund our local economic broker who does a great job in promoting economic development in Franklin and connecting people across the region. I support assisting our local tourism organisation and funding initiatives like the Hunua Traverse. We work with our communities and Iwi to promote the cultural heritage of the area.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
We consider how our decisions affect all of our communities, which includes Maori outcomes. Ports of Auckland needs to be run and governed by experienced international port operators, not Councillors, nor habitual board directors who have no serious infrastructure experience. Growing the Future Fund - don't rely on taking funds from the Fund. Ensure there are strict rules in place to protect the funds for future generations.
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.