Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Marewa GLOVER
Candidate for Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (East Coast Bays Subdivision)
Independent
Candidate statement
I'm Professor Glover. Highly educated, experienced in government policy analysis, public health, and behavioural science. I have over 120 published scientific papers. For my contribution to society, I was recognized as a finalist for the 2019 New Zealander of the Year Supreme Award. Integrity is my touchstone. I believe in honest, principled leadership and standing up for what’s right, even when it’s not popular. Elected representatives should listen to you, weigh different views, and work hard to improve life for everyone. I’ve supported our community through governance roles, with Torbay Business Association, including editing the Torbay Magazine, and as a local business owner. I’ve lived locally for many years, went to school here, raised my family here. I'll be a strong, independent advocate for fairness, meaningful investment in our local people and places, and I’ll always put our community’s needs ahead of political games. Independent. Experienced. Committed to our community.
Why I want to be elected
It’s time to rebuild the connected, caring community we deserve. Clubs, community groups, churches, community-run newspapers, events, arts & crafts, and local businesses build community spirit. They need support to continue. We need to do more to preserve our beaches, harbour, bush, streams, parks, playgrounds, native wildlife, flora, and fauna, which shape us as a coastal community. Population growth means we are now more diverse. Work is needed to build a sense of belonging for all.
My key skills and qualities
I have the expertise and passion to help the Local Board understand the changing needs of our communities and spend wisely to achieve sustainable improvements. I am a Professor with a Diploma in Community Psychology. I have worked for health services, as a government policy analyst, university lecturer, and researcher. I am a New Zealander of the Year Supreme Award finalist (2019). My community work includes Torbay Business Association governance, including editing their Torbay Magazine.
My top three key issues
No. 1 is the safety & well-being of our children, young people, vulnerable elders, and our businesspeople. More support, less crime. There needs to be improved transparency re Board member conflicts of interest, fairer decision-making, and more professionalism. I will put community voices ahead of political games. Collaboration with the community needs to be real and respectful. It's the Board's job to weigh the different views and the evidence, not dictate based on their own biases.
My position on key topics
Transport
Some of our roads are in bad shape. Increased traffic flow has not been planned for, and accidents have occurred. This is a safety issue. The closure of the completed Te Oneroa Road/Vaughan's Road link was a misjustice to the Long Bay shopping centre and people in Okura who bought on the promise of the new connection being opened. A fairer solution is needed. Road cones blocking access to the whole Torbay shopping centre is unreasonable. There is a lack of consultation with businesses.
Water
The safety and protection of our beaches are very important to the East Coast Bays community, lifestyle, and the attractiveness of our area for visitors and new residents. Sewage flow to the sea that closes our beaches at the height of summer must be stopped. This is also a threat to the health of streams and their inhabitants. Stormwater infrastructure to reduce the risk of houses flooding needs attention.
Built environment
In-fill housing across the East Coast Bays and the development of Long Bay has been rapid. Almost four years ago we had to increase the Torbay Magazine print run from 6900 to 7200 issues to deliver across Waiake, Torbay, half of Northcross, Long Bay and Okura. Very soon we will have to increase to 7300. Planning for this increase is not reflected in the upgrading of roads or other measures to manage traffic flow and parking for our older shopping centres.
Natural environment
Our local groups that advocate and care for our environment, such as, the Long Bay-Okura Great Park Society, Friends of Okura Bush, the Deep Creek Restoration Society, Restore Hibiscus and Clean-Up Crews, MERC, and others, contribute immensely, involve the community, and deserve more support. They raise important concerns. More needs to be done to educate and encourage visitors and new residents to act with care. Native birds are threatened by predators, including dogs and cats.
Community
There are hundreds of Incorporated Societies and Charities in our area. They provide valuable services and activities that enhance our lifestyle. Law changes, increasing liability and compliance costs, and diminishing community involvement by way of donations and volunteers, increases the vulnerability of these groups to poor governance, fraud, and closure. I would like to see more support, such as education on governance, advice, and mentoring, available to help them.
Economic and cultural development
Arts centres, and local businesses, provide friendly, convenient access to goods and services saving us time and money. Businesses provide locals with jobs. They need more than Shop Local campaigns and business skills training that they can't attend because they're working. They need security cameras and protection from vandalism, shoplifting and violence. They need parking of sufficient duration (not just 30min) for their customers and less excessive road blocking by public works contractors.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Costs are rising, and funding for Local Boards has been cut. It is important that Board members have the skills to identify priorities, the selflessness to put aside their pet projects, have real-life experience to assess the costs of implementing activities outlined in grant applications, and the commitment to support grantees to succeed. For further insight or discussion about my views, you can contact me by email: profmglover@gmail.com
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.