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Peseta Norma MCDONALD

Peseta Norma MCDONALD

Candidate for Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board (Tāmaki Subdivision)

Tamaki Residents Association

Candidate statement

I am a wife, mother of three, holder of the Samoan High Chief title Peseta. I have lived and worked in Panmure for 36 years, a place I am proud to call home. I have extensive business experience as a sole trader, entrepreneur, and in family enterprises both locally and internationally. My commitment to community service is demonstrated through a wide range of volunteer roles, including participation on rhythmic gymnastics sports committees, former Panmure Business Association Board member, making costumes for dance groups, teaching Year 5 students knitting skills, fundraising for sporting activities and dance competitions, and providing local business mentorship and local community advocacy. As the founder of Panmure Remember When (2021), an online community with 31,466 members, I actively engage with the wider Tamaki community. My interaction with local perspectives, narratives, and histories has motivated my decision to stand as a candidate.

Why I want to be elected

As a long-term Panmure resident of 36 years, I am seeking election to drive significant change that further develops and strengthens the Tamaki area as an outstanding environment for all in the community. I bring experience in business and community service that prepares me well to serve as an effective elected member. I am committed to diligent work and to representing the interests and perspectives of all in the community.

My key skills and qualities

My background in business and community service has provided me with a robust set of skills and attributes that would contribute to my effectiveness if elected. I possess strong communication abilities coupled with genuine empathy, advanced problem-solving skills, adaptability, attention to detail, and a creative and innovative mindset. My strong work ethic supports my commitment to developing effective solutions. Additionally, I take a practical, common-sense approach to challenges.

My top three key issues

1) Localism - local communities must be more involved in the decision making that impacts them. The views, knowledge and experience of local people matter. 2) Transport - the current Transport network struggles to meet the needs of the local community. Tamaki needs a rethink on transport strategy and future planning. 3) Environmental - better management of indigenous biodiversity, waste collection and recycling initiatives to ensure the protection and preservation of all local flora and fauna.

My position on key topics

  • Transport

    1) Public transport that is reliable, affordable and accessible. 2) Localism is applied when making local decisions e.g. road changes or new chicane placement etc. 3) Keep cycle ways clean and clear of rubbish 4) Clearer signage and street markings at raised crossings for pedestrian and motorist safety 5) Improve lighting and keep hedges maintained on walking tracks in the Tamaki area 6) Restrict the use of e-scooters in busy, high use zones, e.g. shopping areas and walking tracks

  • Water

    This is an urgent issue! Extreme weather events, climate change and increased residential building have all challenged Auckland's water management. The aging infrastructure is under great pressure. Central and Local government need to work in closely together. Also, property owners should be encouraged to undertake rainwater harvesting and/or install a residential water retention system to take some pressure off the water system.

  • Built environment

    1) For successful urban development & regeneration, local communities must be properly consulted and involved in decision making that will greatly impact local, social and economic outcomes 2) Heritage protection is 100% essential to ensure that communities retain their identity, history and connections 3) Urban development is often ahead of infrastructure development

  • Natural environment

    1) Improve waste management and recycling systems in Tamaki 2) Have a program to care for indigenous biodiversity, e.g. Kāruhiruhi, Panmure Basin 3) Establish program for removal and appropriate disposal of asbestos deposits from areas along Tamaki River foreshore 4) Retain our Tamaki reserves and parks for future generations

  • Community

    1) Go Local - involve local communities more in decision making and actually listen to what they have to say! 2) Actively encourage community network building rather than keeping community groups separate 3) Delegate more decisions to communities

  • Economic and cultural development

    1) Actively engage with business associations to clean up shopping areas including leaking canopies, unkempt service lanes and carparks in BID district (this also includes Council owned buildings as well) 2) Apply community concept to security presence in shopping areas 3) Community engagement/involvement in activation events that promote local businesses and/or promote local/cultural heritage

  • Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

    In delivering Māori outcomes, I acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi and I am aware of the Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau - Council’s Māori outcomes plan. As to the Port of Auckland, the Auckland Future Fund and supporting storm recovery - these are necessary to support Auckland's future and strengthen it's financial resilience.

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.

Disclaimer

The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.