Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
John GILLON
Candidate for Kaipātiki Local Board
Shore Action
Candidate statement
As Chair of the Kaipātiki Local Board I've led a cohesive, stable and strong board. I've opened workshops to the public, held Council/AT to account, axed ratepayer-funded meals, and challenged Council's crazy proposals (such as removing rubbish bins, downgrading roads to loose chipseal, selling parkland). I've helped thousands of people with local issues; kept the community informed about council projects; and represented the public at hearings on developments that breach Unitary Plan rules. Our Shore Action team has supersized investment into environment and pest-free initiatives; upgraded many bush tracks (including Kauri Glen treetop bridge); updated playgrounds and installed shadesails to protect Tamariki; invested in community development, sport, events, art, youth, and more. I have 18 years governance experience, including Auckland Kindergarten and Beach Haven Primary BOT, and am admin of three Facebook groups connecting 60,000+ members of the community. Please support the Shore Action Team; #8TicksShoreAction; www.shoreaction.org.nz; www.johngillon.co.nz
Why I want to be elected
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My key skills and qualities
As Chair of Kaipātiki Local Board for eight years, I’ve proudly led a cohesive, stable and strong board. I have 18 years governance experience, inc Auckland Kindergarten board, a community centre and school BOT. I’ve helped thousands of people with local issues, and ensured that I’ve kept the community informed about council projects, plans and events. I have experience of representing the community at multiple hearings on resource consents. Background: Technical writer and small business.
My top three key issues
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My position on key topics
Transport
* Fix Onewa Rd: Create fulltime clearway in both directions. Upgrade Birkenhead Ave/Onewa Rd intersection to ensure T3 lane connects. * Continue investing in upgraded bush track and path connections around Kaipātiki. * We need more frequent ferry sailings and better bus connections to them. I oppose the proposed closure of Northcote ferry terminal. * Support bringing Auckland Transport into Council. * Oppose downgrade of suburban roads to loose chipseal.
Water
Stormwater needs a higher investment and prioritisation of local projects, as well as proceeding with the planned Making Space for Water programme. I support the planned upgrades to North Shore wasterwater pipes and pump stations, but there needs to be more investment into preventing sewage spills into our waterways and beaches. North Shore needs an additional drinking water supply connection.
Built environment
I am concerned that every week Auckland Council receives over 100 applications to breach Unitary Plan rules with many of these being approved, and without consulting neighbours. The UP is due to be reviewed next term, and we must ensure that loopholes are closed and rules are followed. I support retaining Special Character Areas and ensuring development only occurs where there is adequate infrastructure, and not on flood plains.
Natural environment
I support investing in preserving our environment; retaining and expanding our reserves; investing in pest-free initiatives, kauri dieback prevention and climate resilience. Under my leadership investment into the environment and pest-free initiatives in the Kaipātiki Local Board area has been supercharged, and we developed the Local Park Management Plan that saw the largest number of local parks gaining protection under the Reserves Act in decades. I do not support sale of parkland.
Community
Under my leadership of the Kaipātiki Local Board, I’ve ensured significant investment into third-party community partners to deliver community development, placemaking, networking & events at a far cheaper rate & with a faster outcome than Council could ever deliver directly. It is important to support "on the ground" organisations to contribute to social cohesion of society & prevent issues arising. We've also ensured libraries stay open 7 days, and are trialling free swimming for seniors.
Economic and cultural development
Local businesses are vital for local economic growth and local jobs. The Kaipātiki Local Board has invested in upgrading and refreshing the Birkenhead town centre, and has been involved in planning the development of the new Northcote town centre. We've also been working on a business network to benefit Wairau Valley businesses. The Local Board has also invested in a number of events to help bring people into our town centres. Safety needs to be continually improved in local centres.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Relationships with Mana Whenua and Mata Waaka are important. I supported the dual naming or renaming of many of our reserves in Te Reo, to help enhance the visibility of Māori language. I support the development of the Beach Haven Marae. The new maintenance contracts need to allow for local procurement so local boards have greater oversight and control. I support storm recovery and the Making Space for Water programme.
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.