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
Change should never increase the struggles people face. Improvement is not improvement if it does not alleviate the harsh strains that are present in the lives of the people that call this city home. Tāmaki Makaurau is filled with incredible minds. With your support, I intend not to be the 'face' of Auckland, but the hands of the people. If elected, I plan to push forward changes that give power to your voices. To grow communities by providing everyone the ability to engage with each other in the ways they feel most comfortable and most included. Life should not be a spectator sport. Thank you for your support. Ngā mihi nui, Jason Pieterse
Why I want to be elected
I am running as a Mayoral Candidate because I believe that in order to improve our beautiful city, a stronger foundation is needed for us to flourish especially during such uncertain times. A foundation that ensures that the well-being of everyone that calls this city home is put first. If elected, I stand to drive forward changes that provide truly accessible housing and to help further grow community connection because what makes this city so beautiful is its people.
My key skills and qualities
I am driven to do my best at doing good and for that good to not just be heard about but to improve lives. To find solutions that are not only reactive to turbulent events, but proactive in protecting people from future struggles. If elected, I will not stand just as the face of the council. I will be the hands of the communities to help foster connection. I will be the mouth of the people when their voices are ignored and I will be a buffer to protect them.
My top three key issues
My top three priorities I am at addressing are the Cost-of-Living Crisis which as it grows, so does the other key issue of homelessness and rough sleeping. Issues that as human rights for food and housing, should not have to be exhaustively struggled for let alone go without. My third priority is to allow a more streamlined and accessible method for booking community venues to allow members of the public to more freely host and join workshops, local markets and events of various interests.
My position on key topics
Transport
For transport I prioritize increasing cycle ways that lead towards and between public transportation hubs and to improve cycling infrastructure to accommodate other more compact forms of travel such as electric scooters. This would allow for less vehicles needing to be taken initially to reach public transport when taking another bus initially would be difficult or impractical.
Water
Increase in the utilization of a Town-to-Tank water system for residential sections would reduce the water expenses for residents, only requiring to pay for the water pumped in at the residents discretion when at low capacity.
Built environment
I believe that the mass quantity of unoccupied homes, which according to figure.nz in 2023 was over 50,000, is a large waste of a very vital resource especially when considering how long some have remained unoccupied. I believe that before stripping any more arable land of its capacity to provide more fresh, local produce that these properties be repurposed first.
Natural environment
Aim to utilize and increase amount of natural wetlands as they increase climate resilience, acting as a natural sponge greatly reducing flooding. I aim to also increase the integration of nature into urban developments.
Community
Through the development of a Community App, members of the community would be able to book local facilities to host community events with ease. This allows for people to engage in a larger range of events that they are interested in or host ones that currently isn't locally hosted. Through the app, residents should also be able to watch and take part in public local board meetings as physical attendance is not possible for everyone but that doesn't mean their voice doesn't matter.
Economic and cultural development
Through use of the Community App, local markets would be able to be organized easily. Local businesses would be able to reserve a stall through the app. Due to it taking place at community halls and facilities, a public market license is not required either.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Ensuring that as we step forward that the spirit of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is followed and that plans made affirm tino rangatiratanga.
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.