Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Candidate statement
Born, raised and educated in Papakura. Third generation of Archibald Family Opaheke. Studied Commerce Auckland University. Nine years IRD Tax Inspector. Elected two terms Rosehill College Board. Financial Controller/Company Secretary Fram NZ Limited Howick five years. Elected five consecutive terms to Papakura District Council. One term appointed Deputy Mayor. In my Councillor years I proudly supported the land purchase in Takanini for Pulman Park. Was one of two voted against selling Papakura's Water and Wastewater to United Water (now Veolia). Am proud to have been Chair/Commissioner to see Strathallan College, and both Takanini, and then Hingaia Plan Changes. In 1983 began full-time in my own Tax Practice Archibald & Associates until retired in 2018. Have always strongly supported Papakura Marae and Tainui's Whatapaka Marae. Will continue to support all eligible voters regardless of ethnicity. Voting for Glenn will be a start to Making Auckland Greater Always - MAGA2
Why I want to be elected
I am standing 2 bring my years of experience to the table so others at the table can share their knowledge & experiences 2 help Making Auckland Greater Always MAGA 2, for the good of every AKLer during the next 3 yrs & yrs/decades to come. Mayor Wayne Brown and his Deputy Desley Simpson 2 form the 21 into a "Grand Coalition" 2 show AKLers & World just what we can achieve by 21 Elected, working positively over the 3 years & decades ahead? ReformsRecognitionRepeat 3R's MAGA2. 1 tick Glenn please!
My key skills and qualities
I am a great listener with the experience, knowledge and skills to ensure all views are thoroughly presented at Council and Local Board tables for the good of every Aucklander. Solutions not spats! Met Wayne Brown in my surfing days on Northern beaches in the 60's. Earlier I had the late Phil Warren support my musician days in the Clevedonaires,with Venues and Recordings. 30 yrs later we worked together around ARC tables. Restanding now are the well-known Mike,Christine,Andy & now Luke Mealamu!
My top three key issues
Setting affordable budgets that my life & work experiences have always delivered. 30 years ago I started in Council and was appointed Chairman of the Finance Committee, Deputy of the Civil Defence Committee & a member of the Parks and Reserves Committee. What a privilege to the start as a Councillor! Externally I represented Papakura on the Counties Manukau Sports Trust Taking new RMA Laws from old 1992. Exper.ExChair of Kura Planning and Reg terms 2&3. Now 2 benefit AKLs future.1 tick for me.
My position on key topics
Transport
This CCO is delivering as best it can. Having traveled the World since 1982, I have seen it all. The Light Rail as promoted has gone thankfully! Once told the Seattle Light Rail was a great example has been closely checked out in last 10 years when on USA visits 2 Son and family, only to see an Infrastructural mess totally failing & incomplete some 30 years on!? Our CRL late deliv. is a small NZ example of poor performance? Buses are Aucklands Public Transport savior! North/West Busways great
Water
Ensure Watercare & Veolia work more efficiently, not competitively! Kura is a disgrace to have watched remotely. As Clr for Kura I was on the Monitoring Committee & saw the picture of a poor PPP situation that should never have been rushed & allowed? I doubt that any accountability by Veolia of our Kura Assets has improved? A watchdog needs to be part of AKL Clrs this term! Wastewater an ongoing Infrastructural item with quality and capacity reviews needed. Delays in Hingia are shocking!? Solve
Built environment
Less Consultants who again along with Private Contractors simply delay projects to secure more certainty to their business Incomes to our Ratepayers detriment. Better monitoring Contracts with stronger obligations put upon Contractors. Firmer conditions and greater penalties on drawn out performance is long overdue. Heritage Protection Orders are the cause of too many problems & unnecessary costs. The RMA changes will assist AKL's constant unnec spread into productive Rural soils etc! Long o/due
Natural environment
Our Natural Environments need better flood protections as keeps showing as the rainfalls become more frequent and Global Warming accelerates. Our Waitarere & Hunua Ranges are gems to be well maintained & ensure the dams are well protected More Urban intensification is needed to better protect rural & Open Spaces. We are starting to see the balance being better implemented but again too slowly. Examples to follow are Singapore, Dubai. Govt.directions should be helpful Wairau Valley floods FIX IT
Community
Local Boards hold this responsibility & need to show just what they are & aren't doing well. On 2nd August I attended Opaheke Sports Park planting day. Staff & volunteers along with a large community turnout made a good start in quick time. No Ward Clrs or Local Board members showed up! What a disgraceful way to treat their Papakura Community. Local Boards - my view "toothless tigers"!! All talk/no do? Staff & volunteers need better support from Clrs. The "Grand Coalition"! MAGA 2. 1 tick 4 me!
Economic and cultural development
This is not easy due 2 Recession that rolls on. AKL Council must continue to work closely with Central Government more than ever before to identify solutions that help recover ASAP from the tough times ahead. Our Coalition Central Government has leaders that need 2 be part of our "Making Auckland Greater Always" - MAGA 2, as our Economy recovers. Collective efforts may speed ending this Recession. No 1 alone has many answers and our Mayor Wayne Brown FixAKL has set the tone. Cultural issues #1!
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Money management is key. For too long borrowing has not worked. Asset holding needs constant reviewing. Ports of Auckland should be reviewed & Privatized. More PPP'S in our largest city is the solution! My links & support with Papakura Marae & Tainui's Whatapaka Marae must be recognized & followed. Tainui has made some great investments such as that at AKL INT.Airport in recent years. We must work more closely with Tainui on South Auckland progress - PPP'S & a lot more 2 follow throughout AKL.
Candidate's supporting links
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