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Chris CARTER
Candidate for Henderson-Massey Local Board
Labour
Candidate statement
I have lived and worked in west Auckland most of my life serving as MP for Te Atatu for 15 years and as a government minister. Residents will recall I worked hard for all my constituents regardless of their personal politics. As Chair of the local board I have continued to do that. My priorities are to continue to be receptive to community concerns and ensure residents are not neglected in the provision of Council services. Many residents share concerns about the decline of the Henderson CBD. The main street has great potential but badly needs re-development. I will continue to work to revitalise Henderson. Other important issues for me are addressing the problems created by housing intensification including traffic congestion and street parking problems. AT has been the Council agency I have had the most complaints about. AT needs to be more receptive to local concerns.
Why I want to be elected
I am the current Chairperson of the Henderson Massey Local Board. I have a keen interest in getting some existing local board supported projects already underway completed. These include the Te Whau Pathway Project, a completed walking track around Te Atatu Peninsula, the revitalization the Henderson CAB, a new aquatic center in Massey and addressing the parking and transport issues around housing intensification.
My key skills and qualities
l have the political experience, knowledge of the local area and a long history of politically effective action in the Henderson-Massey area. I taught in west Auckland before serving as MP for Te Atatu (1993 / 2011) including roles in government as Education Minister, Conservation Minister, Local Government Minister, Housing Minister, Ethnic Affairs Minister. After leaving Parliament l served as a senior UN official in Afghanistan and Myanmar(2011/2018). I have been on the HMLB for 2 terms.
My top three key issues
(1) Addressing the parking and traffic volume problems created by the growth of housing intensification in our local area. The growth of medium density housing has created huge problems with street parking blocking roads and adding more cars to already congested arterial roads like Te Atatu Road, Lincoln Road and Don Buck Road. (2) Building an aquatic center in Massey to help relieve congestion at Henderson's WestWave facility. (3) Complete a walking track around Te Atatu Peninsula.
My position on key topics
Transport
More public transport option including buses and trains. The new WX1 bus service up the Northwest Motorway every 10 minutes during peak travel times is an excellent start. The HMLB has been working with AT and the police to improve security at the Henderson bus and rail site. Improved lighting is in place and from September police foot patrols will be in place in the Henderson CBD. I have been a strong supporter of both the Te Whau Pathway Project and completing the walkway around Te Atatu Pen.
Water
The Henderson Massey Local Board, under my chairing, has worked closely with Healthy Waters on addressing water quality and flood resilience. We have also helped fund and consult with groups like the Rivercare Group, Te Wai o Pareira, Project Twin Streams and the Whau River Catchment Trust that work on water quality in our local area. Addressing the impact of flooding by Cyclone Gabrielle has been a major focus and work continues on measures to address the risk of flooding in west Auckland.
Built environment
In my past role as Housing Minister and in my current position as Chairperson of HMLB l have focused on the importance of green space and recreational facilities in residential areas . Medium density housing has not only created traffic congestion but also seen a dramatic reduction in the size of parks and green spaces. A priority for me is to use the planning consent process at Council to ensure we get the balance between providing new homes and also providing recreational green space right.
Natural environment
I served 5 years as NZ's Conservation Minister. Of all the jobs l have had its was my favorite. l continue to have a strong commitment to preserving NZ's unique biodiversity. As Chairperson of the HMLB l have strongly advocated Council funding support for groups like Community Waitakere, the RiverCare Group, Predator Free and the Te Taiao Network Te Atatu. these groups, and others, are doing fantastic work on weed and pest eradication. They will continue to have my support.
Community
Community organisations have a very important role in supporting local people with emergency support, educational opportunities, recreational facilities and addressing issues like loneliness, isolation and social alienation. In the 6 years l have been on the HMLB l have been inspired by the work of organisations like Massey Matters, RAP, Community Waitakere, Visionwest and many others. If re-elected l will continue to give strong support to our local community organisations.
Economic and cultural development
As Chairperson of the HMLB l have worked closely with Business West and the Te Atatu Business Association to help boost economic growth and support local businesses. One of my priorities as Chair of the HMLB has been to tell our 'stories". This involves providing opportunities for Te Kawerau a Maki, early settlers, the Croats and other local ethnic groups to be highlighted in Council funded interpretation panels. The Corban arts site remains a key Council asset which l strongly support.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
The relationship with iwi, as the first people of the land, is important to me. Under my chairmanship relationships with our local iwi Te Kawerau a Maki and with the Hoani Waititi Marae have been a priority. These include regular consultations and events such as Council organized citizenship ceremonies held at Hoani Waititi Marae. I have also strongly supported the establishment of a marae on Te Atatu Peninsula. I will continue to support these initiatives if re-elected.
Candidate's supporting links
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