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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.
Zooey NEUMANN
Candidate for Henderson-Massey Local Board
Green Party
Candidate statement
I have been a local resident for almost two decades, and my children have grown up through the local schools and clubs. I am very familiar with the issues we face in Henderson-Massey, daily – the punishing commutes, the lack of local services and infrastructure, and the damage to our waterways and green spaces. We have made progress in Henderson-Massey, and many great community initiatives are working tirelessly, but we need to keep pushing. I want to put people and planet first, and help work for a better life for us here in Henderson-Massey: with more pleasant neighbourhoods that are easier to get around, great public transport, more going on in your local centres, more opportunities for our young people, thriving waterways and green spaces (let’s work to make the Whau and Te Wai o Pareira swimmable!), and a connected and resilient community that looks after each other.
Why I want to be elected
I believe that working together, we can build a Henderson-Massey that’s better for us right now, and for future generations. We can build a community that’s easy to get around, with excellent public transport and walking and cycling networks. We can make sure our waterways and green spaces are thriving. We can support our local communities to create more opportunities for our young people, to have more going on in your local centres, and to grow a connected and resilient community.
My key skills and qualities
Having raised my kids right here in Henderson-Massey, I absolutely love the West! But I also know we have some problems: long commutes, lack of opportunities, degradation of our waterways and infrastructure. I have worked in publishing and the charity sector, and community wellbeing has always been key for me. I want to put my skills and energy into contributing to good green change that will make a real, tangible difference to people’s lives here in the West.
My top three key issues
- Help build a community that’s easy to get around for everyone, with good public transport and walking and cycling connections - to reduce emissions and improve our quality of life! - Look after our infrastructure and community assets so that our waterways and green spaces are thriving. Increase tree cover and green space. - Listen to the community and support local groups and mana whenua to grow a connected and resilient community that looks after each other.
My position on key topics
Transport
The West has for far too long been underserved in the area of public transport. Taking the bus and train should be convenient, easy, affordable and enjoyable. We need to insist on improvements to the train and bus service (bus priority for the WX1 on the motorway now!), and keep a close eye on future developments like the northwestern busway, to make sure our people are served well by it. In this way, we can reduce emissions and and save our most precious resource - time!
Water
We have huge challenges in this area, as evidenced by the regular overflows into te Wai o Pareira, the Whau, and our other awa. We need to prioritise cleaning up our wastewater infrastructure, to make our rivers swimmable and protect the precious taonga that is the Hauraki Gulf. We have seen a lot of development in our area, and the infrastructure has not kept pace. Let's act urgently to restore our natural environment.
Built environment
Henderson-Massey has received a huge amount of development in recent years. People need housing, and density is much better than urban sprawl. However, it has to go hand-in-hand with investment in transport, water and community infrastructure - and this has not been the case. Let's do density well, with liveable spaces, sufficient green space and community services, with clean water, and convenient public transport for people. And let's share the load across the city more equitably.
Natural environment
The things we need to do right now to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change are the very same things that will also make our own lives better right now. Stuck in your car for hours on end? Let's ensure safe and convenient public transport. Services and shops too far away? Let's plan for density done well and invest in our local spaces. No local swimming spots or parks to play? Let's enhance our natural environment locally, and improve water quality and tree coverage.
Community
We have so many great community initiatives who are working tirelessly to improve our natural spaces and community life. These groups need to be supported and resourced, to make sure they can work effectively over the long term. Listen to the community and find out where we can share resources and spaces more effectively and work more closely together. Let's invest in our community spaces, libraries (including for small centres), arts centres, and I hope an outdoor swimming pool in Henderson.
Economic and cultural development
Too many of us work in town or across the North Shore, and spend too much of our lives on the road. Improving economic activity in Henderson and smaller centres is vital for the West. The local board has a big role in bringing initiatives together, connecting projects with funders, and being a cheerleader for local development. Let's support our local arts and film industry as well as the services and knowledge sector, especially around sustainability and green technology.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I am committed to honouring Te Tiriti and our relationship with mana whenua Te Kawerau ā Maki and all who connect to this place. If elected, I will work to enhance these relationships and support local initiatives. I am keen for our community to continue to learn and explore the history of this place, and honour names of places and tupuna, and enhance te mauri o te wai. Storm recovery is part of that - make space for water, restore green spaces to act as songes, and build a connected community.
Candidate's supporting links
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