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
I am your councillor since elected in 2018. I served on the Maungakiekie Tamaki Local board since 2010 so I know council's processes and have governance experience. I am a local resident of 19 years and love this community. I am standing for only one position. I am committed and will work hard for a better Auckland and support the local board for the best outcomes for our area. From town centre upgrades, better transport options, infrastructure to match growth, emergency management, climate action, safe and connected neighbourhoods, community services and ensuring your rates are spent carefully. I have the skills and experience to bring a strong local voice to the decision making of Auckland Council. I am a qualified lawyer with a background in consumer affairs advocacy and community engagement. My track record of action from supporting millions into our area to action on issues you raise with me.
Why I want to be elected
I will continue to represent Maungakiekie Tamaki at the Governing body table, I will continue to be a strong voice for communities. I will continue to make good decisions for today and future generations, ensuring we are not only addressing current issues but futureproofing the city. I will continue to collaborate with communities, the Local board, councillors and the Mayor for the best outcomes for our area. I want to be elected because I love this community and this city.
My key skills and qualities
I bring my experience as a legal advisor for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs of 14 years. I know Government processes and how to interpret policy into reality for our communities. I have been on the Local Board since 2010 and a councillor since 2018 so I am familiar with Local government processes and have governance experience. I have communication skills, active on social media, people skills to listen and engage with our diverse public. I also have a sense of humour to keep me sane.
My top three key issues
1,Infrastructure, I live in a heavily intensified area so I know the importance of making sure we cater for growth properly. We are being pushed by Government to build more, but we need to have water and transport, community facilities along with it. 2.Community safety, social wellbeing. We need to keep supporting strong communities. 3. Climate emergency. Flood resilience. This is the reality the natural hazards we are facing are due to climate change and we need to do more.
My position on key topics
Transport
more options to get around given congestion, we need to more public transport, cycling and walking for people without choice. I am also concerned about how we pay for these transport options and would suggest more work with the Government for revenue generating tools so we can make decisions without Government intervention. I think we need to focus on better train provision in the Onehunga Penrose area, better transport links to Sylvia Park, park and rides, better community engagement on works.
Water
Strong accountability over Watercare, more investment into upgrading water pipes for stormwater and wastewater treatment. Clear and regular drains and well publicised maintenance. Continued environmental projects to clean waterways, continued investment into Safeswim, stronger monitoring of pollution and sedimentation run off from construction sites. Ensuring we have back up supplies should we face another drought.
Built environment
I believe in a compact city, in walkable communities and that we need more housing in our city as we have so many on the public register in need of a home. We need to stay focused on sequenced developments under the Future Development strategy so that infrastructure can be planned and accommodated for. We have areas which have beautiful heritage homes and buildings and they also have multi storey developments in the same vicinity, however I do acknowledge heritage protection has its place.
Natural environment
Following on from council's strategies I believe there is a lot to learn from indigenous practices of caring for the land. In 2019 council declared a climate emergency, the Climate action targeted rate should continue in order to fund projects and actions aimed at addressing this climate emergency. I also support continuing the Natural Environment targeted rate to manage pests, control diseases threatening flora and fauna.
Community
This is core for the city, through more engagement with our diverse communities, more investment into our regional funding opportunities for events, arts, community and sports. Continued investment into core community facilities such as libraries, recreation centres, pools. Also looking into more partnerships with community organisations such as schools for more public access to upgraded or new sports facilities.
Economic and cultural development
Supporting the work of the former Tataki Auckland which now sits within council of promoting Auckland's attractions both domestically and internationally, showcasing the best Auckland has to offer. More strategic connections with Auckland's industrial and business communities and how the council can support them to excel through innovation. I also believe we need stronger promotion of the natural treasures such as maunga and Maori culture to enhance tourism.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Continued support of the Port of Auckland in their strengthening mana strategy. I support achieving Maori outcomes such as urban marae development as we have with Ruapotaka marae's long time aspiration for upgraded facilities. We need to do more to prepare Auckland to be more flood resilient e.g sponge city in order to lessen the impact faced in storm recovery. I support increased options of revenue generating to minimise the need for rates rises.
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.