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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.
Julia PARFITT
Candidate for Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (East Coast Bays Subdivision)
Backing the Bays
Candidate statement
If you want experienced, effective leadership that delivers results, vote Julia Parfitt. A lifelong Bays resident, JP, former Deputy Mayor and Local Board Chairperson. I know our area extremely well and have a track record of working constructively across Council to get the best outcomes for residents. Successfully promoted: infrastructure rebuild and stream improvements post storm events; more programmed stormwater maintenance, restoration and pest-free initiatives; town centre safety plans; pump station upgrades; funding playground renewals and new walkways like Bushglen; a youth park in Long Bay and a dog park planned for Browns Bay. Our 'Backing the Bays' team can continue to build and support strong, safe and connected communities with vibrant town centres; extend our restoration and environmental programmes; keep transport projects like Glenvar Road on-track; and advocate for better public transport links and a new harbour crossing. As a team, we can continue to make a real difference.
Why I want to be elected
So much still needs to be done to ensure that the East Coast Bays remains a safe, well-connected place with a strong sense of community and high environmental standards. As a tireless advocate for the local community for many years I know how to get things done. Our Backing the Bays team has a clear vision and action plan (www.backingthebays.co.nz). If our full team is elected, we will deliver. As part of the Backing the Bays team, with a clear vision and action plan, we can ensure that .
My key skills and qualities
As a former councillor, Deputy Mayor of North Shore City and chairperson of our Local Board, I have successfully delivered and advocated for projects across the Bays that meet the community's needs and are cost-effective. In the last term I successfully promoted infrastructure rebuild and stream improvements after our severe storm events. I have pushed town centre safety plans, the Browns Bay pump station upgrade and getting the funding for new playgrounds, walkways, youth parks and dog parks.
My top three key issues
1. Continue our relentless advocacy for the Glenvar and East Coast Roads upgrade project that starts construction in 2027, and advocate for a full upgrade as previously planned for Vaughans and Okura River Roads. I will push for another harbour crossing and better public transport connections. 2. Support community crime prevention initiatives to make the Bays safer. 3. Continue to give high priority to restoration plans and pest-free initiatives to keep our beaches and streams clean.
My position on key topics
Transport
Better transport is the key issue. What is planned needs to be delivered within planned timeframes and in the most cost-effective way, as with the road upgrades on Glenvar Road and Vaughans Road. More priority needs to be given to properly maintaining footpaths and promoting walking. Public transport must continue to be affordable, frequent and safe. We cannot delay the investment in an additional harbour crossing any longer.
Water
Provision of water and wastewater must happen in a timely way. It cannot continue to lag behind development.
Built environment
Pressure must be placed on central government to ensure that Auckland Council, as a tier 1 council with its own Unitary Plan, is the decision maker on where intensification should happen. Central government should also be pressured to make provision for onsite parking, better traffic distribution, planning rules and design standards, so that that new developments meet community expectations.
Natural environment
We must support and promote environmental measures such as our "Green the Streams" programme and our "Restore Hibiscus and Bays" planting and pest-free initiatives.
Community
Strong, safe communities are vital. Our Backing the Bays team is committed to funding and supporting programmes that make life better for everyone in the community, such as local resilience plans, safety audits for town centres, better street lighting and an independent audit of all walkways and footpaths.
Economic and cultural development
Through our grants programme we are committed to giving priority to projects that boost economic growth and promote cultural heritage. Currently we fund local community events through that programme, such as the Mairangi Bay Food and Wine Festival.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
We value our partnership with Te Herenga Waka o Orewa marae. They have continued to strongly support a number of our Bays community groups and programmes, such as the Mairangi Bay Arts Centre. I will continue to support working constructively with iwi. We must strive to support storm recovery and resilience initiatives as these events will undoubtedly occur in the future, and we must be prepared. We should be building on rather than selling public assets such as the Port of Auckland.
Candidate's supporting links
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