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
I am the third generation of my family to call Franklin home. I am seeking your support to be re-elected as your Councillor. I have worked hard to represent all of Franklin when making regional decisions and have contributed to many of the changes we have been seeing within Council this term while remaining accessible to our communities. We will always face a huge challenge being a mainly rural ward. We need a Councillor who understands Franklin, it's people and also the Council organisation. I will continue to push for change where it is needed and to work closely with the Local Board to continue to make Franklin's voice heard. I will continue to be open, honest and available. We might not always agree but I will always be up front, willing to listen, discuss and to fight for things that should be fought for. Please vote Andy Baker.
Why I want to be elected
I want to continue representing Franklin ensuring we are recognised through a strong, experienced and effective approach. To continue the effective change started this past 3 years. I have remained available, responsive and passionate about all of Franklin, will always front on issues, answer queries and go to battle if appropriate for people, organisations or communities. I value relationships and work hard in this full time role to get the best I can for anybody, anywhere anytime.
My key skills and qualities
I am pragmatic, thoughtful and open. I don’t shy away from decisions or issues. My approach is one built on respect, trust and honesty. My years in the Police taught me to be open minded, listen to all sides of an issue, question and challenge. My years across a variety of community groups in Franklin gives me a thorough understanding of the area and people. I take that knowledge and experience every day to my role as Councillor. I make sure Franklin is heard loud and proud.
My top three key issues
1. To work with Mayor Wayne Brown and others making change within Councils financial structure to be more efficient and less reliant on rates. 2. Pushing for changes to our regulatory system to be more “customer” focussed so it is easier, faster and cheaper to get consents and permits. 3. Improve knowledge and understanding of rural Auckland within councils planning and strategy departments. The constant battle to have our unique areas and needs recognised have been frustrating. It must change
My position on key topics
Transport
Maintenance and renewals of our roads, rural and urban is my biggest priority. We have had a huge budget increase this term to fix years of underinvestment. Affordable, attractive and accessible public transport including better bus and services and routes to get the most out of the opening of the CRL and later the Eastern Busway is hugely important. Improved ferry services in Beachlands has to match development. Rural paths connecting villages and communities remain a focus for me .
Water
Supporting Watercare to meet demand and work with developers as we continue to grow is extremely important. Changes in legislation have given them more independence, we must make sure they deliver the best value and services they can. Dealing with our ever changing weather and the impacts on stormwater networks will require courage and a continuing focus and investment in our new blue green networks which include big projects in at risk parts of Franklin.
Built environment
I believe Auckland must provide a more balanced offering in where and how we build homes. Intensification on our main transport routes ,around public transport hubs makes and within walkable distance of town centres makes sense. Having other options is also important, not everyone wants to live in apartments or townhouses. I support retaining the rural urban boundary to control sprawl into our rural areas. We must prevent creation of dormitory suburbs by planning for employment near development
Natural environment
From east to west, Franklin has some of the most outstanding and unique natural environments in Auckland. I established the Manukau Harbour Forum in 2011 and have been on Hauraki Gulf Forum this term. Our harbours are incredible so we need to continue to invest in improving water quality through collaboration with communities and land users. Enhancing the Hunua Ranges and continuing to fund local initiatives to support landowners is a priority.
Community
I have long championed working with communities, trusting them and respecting their knowledge and passion. Council should be a facilitator more than it is a deliverer, often it is better if we help kick things off, provide funding or planning support and then get out of the way. I support the way the Franklin Local Board has done this. We have amazing volunteers from the Mudlarks, Kōkako Project, pest free groups and landcare groups as examples. They epitomise strong united communities.
Economic and cultural development
I want to see economic development more focussed locally and aligned to Local Boards using Franklin as a model. Economic development starts locally. I support the introduction of a bed night levy as an appropriate user pays fee to invigorate our events and economy across Auckland. The entire region can benefit. As Franklin changes so fast, I want to make sure we capture and celebrate our history of all types. It is our history, we cannot change it, just learn from it.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I think we have a very effective existing process for delivering on Māori outcomes that may benefit from minor tweaks but is non threatening for everyone. I supported the establishment of the Future Fund as a way of increasing non rates revenue to lessen the burden on ratepayers. It is delivering as is the Port which has turned its performance around. We need a Port and I fully support its continued role in Auckland as a valuable asset that is well run
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.