Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Darag RENNIE
Candidate for Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)
Coast People
Candidate statement
I’m Darag Rennie. Husband, father of two, and have lived here for over 40 years. After starting in medicine, I chose a path focused on healthy living and community wellbeing. Now semi-retired and author of two books, I’m excited to stand for council and bring a fresh, common-sense voice to local leadership. Our community deserves lower rates, less waste, and greater transparency. I’ve seen how confusion and fear are used to push through expensive, divisive policies. That’s not how things should work. I believe in practical, community-led solutions. Getting basics right: roads, water, and infrastructure. No more unnecessary red tape or backroom deals. 'Local Water Done Well' still takes control away from our community. It’s time for responsible spending, real oversight of council debt, and protecting local voices. I’m ready to stand up for what matters. Your voice, your needs, and our future. Let’s bring leadership back to the people!
Why I want to be elected
I’m sure you will have noticed that life is getting financially tougher for many right now and I don’t know about you but I wonder if our local Council is spending more than necessary adhering to overseas requests instead of focusing on what we the locals actually need. I want to see an end to wasteful, unnecessary spending, council secrecy and red tape that strangles progress. Our rates keep climbing, yet basic services - roads, water, and infrastructure - still fall short.
My key skills and qualities
I have an open, curious and inquisitive mind which enjoys uncovering information. I know how to research to get to the core of an issue. I enjoy finding practical, common sense solutions to problems. I am humble enough to admit when I am wrong and principled enough to stand up for what is right.
My top three key issues
1. Debt. Did you know that through the Local Government Funding Authority, all ratepayers in NZ are the guarantors for all council debt - nationwide? To protect ratepayers we need to keep a keen eye on what we are creating debt for and reduce it where we can. 2. We need climate realism. Auckland Council's Climate Emergency Declaration causes wasteful spending that could be eliminated. 3. We need to focus on the core reasons for local government - roads, water and infrastructure.
My position on key topics
Transport
A key issue I hear from others is the disruption to people and businesses. We need to work towards minimising those disruptions and developing roading infrastructure that serves us as a community.
Water
I would need to research this before I can comment
Built environment
I would need to research this before I can comment
Natural environment
Our natural environment is the main reason people live here. It needs our protection so we can enjoy it for generations to come.
Community
Community wellbeing comes from individual wellbeing. If local government can provide parks, libraries, places of interest and halls for communities to gather then I believe it is up to community members to make use of these without too much council involvement. In other words, if local government can take care of it's core responsibilities, then community well being will take care of itself.
Economic and cultural development
That’s a tough one in this economic environment. We are fortunate to live in an area with an abundance of beaches which are the main attraction for living here. If we keep those in good shape, people will keep coming. I know I'm biased but it is the best place to live;)! Until we upgrade our infrastructure though, people can’t get consents to build. That’s one of the main things to look at.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
As a local board our responsibility is to represent everyone equally in terms of roads, water and infrastructure. The Port and the Ak Future Fund I'd need to research more but ports are a big part of a city and more ports should mean a more resilient nation. Storm recovery? We need to know why flooding was so severe last year. Are our drains being maintained properly? Do we need to cut back on intensive development until the infrastructure can be developed to handle it?
Candidate's supporting links
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