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Paula GILLON
Candidate for Kaipātiki Local Board
Shore Action
Candidate statement
Kia Ora, please support my re-election to the Kaipātiki Local Board. I love working for our community. I have strongly supported our hardworking environmental, sport and community groups; successfully advocated to get our own local compliance officers to help improve public safety; secured Kauri Kids; supported enhancements to our leisure services, including free swimming at Birkenhead Leisure for over 65s; supported track and playground upgrades. There is more that I want to achieve: continue working to improve maintenance of our public spaces and our environment; oppose congestion charging without improved public transportation; continue to work for families and young people; improve public safety, community development and continue to advocate against increased council costs. I have a MPhil Public Policy, in local government and active recreation. I grew up in Kaipātiki and live in Beach Haven with my husband and two boys. Please support the Shore Action Team; #8TicksShoreAction; www.shoreaction.org.nz
Why I want to be elected
I love working for our community and have had a productive term. I have supported our hardworking environmental and community groups; successfully advocated to get our own local compliance and enforcement officers to help improve public safety; supported enhancements to our leisure services, including free swimming at Birkenhead Leisure for over 65s. There is more that I want to achieve for you please vote for me to continue to work to improve our community.
My key skills and qualities
I have a MPhil Public Policy, in local government and active recreation. I have board experience having been a member of the Kaipatiki Local Board and previously the North Shore City Council and Birkenhead Northcote Community Board. I am also currently the Presiding Member on my school board and am a member of the Birkenhead Licensing Trust.
My top three key issues
Protecting and enhancing our environment - I have been a strong supporter of our environment and am proud of the improvements we have made but we need to now focus on maintenance. Oppose congestion charging - this is a tax on the working poor who have no other transport options. We need to improve public transport across Auckland prior to implementing a new tax. Support community development - for more cohesive, safe communities and spaces we need to work on the social fabric of our society.
My position on key topics
Transport
Public transport needs to be more frequent to more destinations. People in Kaipātiki work in many areas around Auckland. Those who work in the CBD are already using public transport. We need public transport options to get us directly to where we want to go, when we want to get there. Until we have this in place I will oppose the proposed congestion charge which is just tax on workers trying to get to work.
Water
Development should not take place without adequate infrastructure and environmental protections in place. The amount of impermeable surfaces in Auckland is expanding dramatically causing flooding, overburdened stormwater systems which then leads to wastewater overflows and pollution. Development needs to be balanced with environmental outcomes and only allowed when the infrastructure can cope.
Built environment
Development should not take place without adequate infrastructure and environmental protections in place. The amount of impermeable surfaces in Auckland is expanding dramatically causing flooding, overburdened stormwater systems and then leading to wastewater overflows and pollution. Development needs to be balanced with environmental outcomes and only allowed when the infrastructure can cope. Our heritage areas need to be protected for future generations and to give our city character.
Natural environment
I am a strong supporter of protecting and enhancing our environment. I strongly support the mahi of the Kaipātiki Project and Pest Free Kaipātiki and the network of volunteers who look after our parks and reserves. We need to increase our tree canopy to ensure Auckland doesn't become a heat sink, to support biodiversity and peoples health outcomes. I believe we need better planting around our neighbourhoods, including berms, to prevent flooding and help biodiversity.
Community
I am a supporter of the partnership between the Kaipātiki Local Board and the Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust. Through this partnership the Local Board funds community development, networking and a huge number of events such as Summer and Winter Fun. Through this partnership we have healthier, better connected communities. I believe in the 'Kaipātiki Way' which is supporting our community groups to deliver for the community rather than the council directly providing those services.
Economic and cultural development
As a Local Board member I have supported businesses through improvements to town centres and funding to help establish a business network in the Wairau area. In terms of cultural heritage I have: supported the 'Welcoming Communities' package; advocated for funding for Pasifika events; supported the establishment of Pasifika wardens; supported funding for Waitangi Day, Matariki and Kapa Haka events; supported the Latin Festival in Birkenhead and Chinese NY celebrations in Northcote.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
As a Local Board member I have consistently supported funding for Maori outcomes in Kaipātiki along with dual naming of reserves; acknowledgement of the history and heritage of the area through signage; and support of the development of a Marae in Beach Haven. I have supported quick reinstatement of storm affected tracks and reserves, alongside designs to help prevent future issues. Local Board members are generally not involved in decision-making around the Future Fund or Ports of Auckland.