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The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Brian MCDONALD
Candidate for Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board (Tāmaki Subdivision)
Tamaki Residents Association
Candidate statement
I have longstanding ties to Panmure, having grown up in the area and returned in 1989. Since then, I have established my home, raised my family, and operated a business that creates employment opportunities for locals and contributes to the local economy with a recycling programme. With over 35 years of experience in managing a family-run enterprise both locally and internationally, I have strong problem-solving skills, an ability to handle complex situations, and a proactive approach to achieving results. I am also a life coach and mentor, assisting individuals in overcoming personal challenges to build promising futures. My commitment is to represent and advocate for the interests of the community by prioritising better communication, better planning, and better engagement to achieve positive outcomes for all. When required, I am prepared to address the critical issues impacting our community and ask the necessary questions to drive progress.
Why I want to be elected
The political leadership in the Tamaki District has grown tired. I will invigorate the District using good communication, seek wide feedback, make thoughtful decisions, and get stuck in. I have a strong & practical understanding of problems in the areas that make up Tamaki. I have been active with the Council and Local Boards & understand the communication problems suffered during interactions with the Local Board and Council. I will seek to bring back the relevant Council offices locally.
My key skills and qualities
I have been a rugby and athletics rep & completed automotive trades. I took those skills into business. I am a metal recycler, furniture restorator, demolition, building, and engineering expert. I have led recovery work locally and in the islands. I know how to solve problems to get things done. I know the value of money and will not waste the public's money. I will be accountable and straight up.
My top three key issues
1/Fix the contradiction of wanting both slow and sped up travel times. There are roading initiatives that must be synchronised and dangerous traffic spots fixed. 2/Businesses and shopping centres need pointed support for their own and the public's benefit. 3/To prioritise children having sporting and academic opportunities to gain a sense of the shared storied history by lifting their aspirations. Instill in children the gift of appreciating the elderly and those less fortunate than them.
My position on key topics
Transport
To knit them together as seamlessly as possible and make them consistent, unlike the mixture of things seen on Line Road, and the entrances to Panmure etc. The cost of living in Auckland is bogged down by a mish-mash of transport initiatives that cost all citizens money and time. We need better time and financial value from our transport system. Slowing traffic in one area to speed it up in another, is a current disaster. Time travelled is money.
Water
The new Watercare plans would be good if each area stood alone with its water supply kept local, as planned. It will be an opportunity for better drainage control to limit rubbish entering the Tamaki River. The next step would be to devolve much of Council control back to the relevant areas thereby cutting travel costs and minimising central administration.
Built environment
There is a major problem with parking, it is creating gridlock when it should be being reduced by bus and train travel. Council and central Government plans ignored possible economic down-turns, as is being experienced now. Eastern areas have empty sections and houses when there is a housing shortage. Much infrastruture, and heritage protection is also on the back burner in the eastern suburbs. That, like extensive empty housing, should be halted.
Natural environment
Limit infill housing, to protect green spaces. Do not reduce park sizes or sell them. Plant natives and keep natural water-ways open, and re-open those that have been piped through parks etc. Reduce the use of buses in off-peak time by using electric vans or similar on routes that remain quiet at off-peak times. Reduce Council staff and others who need to work in the city but don't live there.
Community
In the way I do now, by continuing with the post WW2 adage of the returning soldiers that they were all one, and therefore the Tamaki communities are all one. Remembering to make all people welcome and part of the fabric of the community, its deep and strong history, and its memories. Local services are best facilitated by people who live locally and therefore care about those in their district. Ensure respect for the elderly and stand by them, also the sick and the lost.
Economic and cultural development
Reduce the need to travel, localise work. Encourage banks to move back into local shopping centres. Encourage the return of supermarkets. Ensure Council is a good land-lord with the properties it buys and allows to deteriorate. Remove secret meetings by The Local Boards to avoid undermining our shared cultural identity and heritage. Let us be ourselves and proud to be who we are.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Part of this question patronises my Maori descent and insults my ancestors, including those killed on foreign battlefields. I acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi. For the Port, properly listen to the workers and management, they are not children. Increase the Auckland Future Fund by strict and sensible budgeting by Council, reduce needless meetings, accept responsibility, and do not pass the buck. Take iwi and all other sensible advice regarding support from storm recovery.
Candidate's supporting links
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