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
Waiuku deserves a thriving future, and I’m ready to deliver it. On my coastal farm in Waiuku I’m developing the HighSide community project, NZ’s first coastal paragliding flight park and charity. Boosting tourism and offering 'flight therapy' for people with disabilities or depression, fostering hope and connection. As part of Team Franklin i’ll have access to decades of combined local government expertise and as an ex-Air New Zealand pilot and architect, I bring planning expertise and fresh ideas. If elected it will be my great honour and privilege to work for the people of Waiuku, to give back to the community and fight for the things our community deserves with honesty, availability and care. Vote Hunter Hawker to ensure Waiuku’s vibrant future.
Why I want to be elected
As the founder of the HighSide community project on my Karioitahi farm, I’ve dedicated years to serving Waiuku through charitable initiatives. Running for local body with Team Franklin, I’m eager to amplify this commitment, advocating for our subdivision’s needs. My journey has been rewarding, and I’m honoured to give back, ensuring Waiuku thrives with strong, community-focused leadership.
My key skills and qualities
As an ex-Air New Zealand pilot, I honed leadership and decision-making in high-pressure settings. My architecture degree and extensive property development experience equip me to tackle infrastructure challenges. Through my paragliding business and HighSide charity on my 180-acre Karioitahi farm, I foster hope and connection for those with disabilities or depression, bringing collaboration, vision, and practical problem-solving to serve Waiuku.
My top three key issues
I believe it's about getting the basics right. Roading, infrastructure, protecting our coastal areas and common sense. I don't have a grand vision of being NZ's next Prime Minister or desire for a local vanity project. I'm community focused and if called will show up to fight for local voices and advocate for our amazing area . My priority is to listen to local voices and bring those voices to bare on local issues.
My position on key topics
Transport
As a rural area, having high quality roads that are safe and well maintained is of primary importance as our main mode of transport is private vehicle. Public transport, cycling and walking should be advocated for within the confines of sensible expenditure that is suitable for our communities. It's about getting the basics right so that people can get around our area safely and efficiently and then making savings for our community that can then be passed on through reduced tax and rate burdens.
Water
Given the growth that our area is expected to experience (projected to double by 2050) It's important that our water infrastructure is carefully and efficiently planned and invested in to accomodate this growth. Where possible, enabling self sufficient (off grid) development can reduce the pressure on large scale water expenditure whilst preserving our rural character, building in passive resilience, decreasing the rate and tax burden to the community and preserving rural character.
Built environment
The future is a rapidly changing landscape. Artificial Intelligence, autonomous vehicles, space based internet and robotics to name a few are going to enable home based lifestyles to flourish in rural areas. Careful planning needs to address this growth in order to preserve the areas unique character and heritage whilst not creating a large rates/tax burden. Enabling larger lots with onsite utilities will enable this and build resilience into the system without burdening the existing residents.
Natural environment
I would: - Incentivise private landowners for conserving biodiversity (e.g. native planting, pest control) on their properties. - Promote community-led eco-groups for restoring spaces like Waiuku River. - Encourage market-driven resilience via off-grid tech (solar, rainwater) to adapt to climate without govt subsidies. - Advocate for eco-tourism ventures that enhance natural areas through private enterprise.
Community
I would: - Empower voluntary community groups (e.g., neighborhood watches, sports clubs) for social events and support networks. - Empower and incentivise private provision of facilities like playgrounds or halls. - Promote free-market services for wellbeing (e.g., local apps for ridesharing, health co-ops) - Encourage and empower local/private mental health initiatives to build local resiliance.
Economic and cultural development
I would: - Regulate to allow local land use to enable rapid growth via off-grid homes and remote work, preserving rural character. - Cut red tape for local businesses in agriculture, tourism, and eco-ventures on Āwhitu Peninsula. - Empower and incentivise voluntary community groups to preserve cultural heritage. - Foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and organic cultural celebration.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Empowering maori begins through equal property rights and enabling mana whenua to develop land whilst avoiding divisive race-based policies; focusing on individual freedoms for all to foster self-reliance and cultural preservation without victimhood. Storm recovery starts by identifying vulnerable areas with proven historical trend data, ensuring that preemptive maintenance action is taken to mitigate storm damage; like clearing debris build up in flood paths, flood banks etc
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.