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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.
John GILLON
Candidate for North Shore Ward
Putting the North Shore First
Candidate statement
Leadership, experience and commitment to the North Shore. I'm positive and passionate about our North Shore community. I was raised here and am raising my own family here. As Chair of Kaipātiki Local Board for eight years, I've proudly led a cohesive, stable and strong board. I've 18 years governance experience, including Auckland Kindergarten board and school BOT. I've championed investment in environment, parks, shadesails, community development, bush tracks (including Kauri Glen treetop bridge); while increasing transparency and holding council/AT to account. I will prioritise: cleaner beaches/streams; safer neighbourhoods; fixing Lake Road and Onewa Road; retaining parkland; restoring slashed local board funding; improving maintenance; protecting heritage; increasing compliance enforcement. I will fight against: building where there's flood zones or insufficient infrastructure; breaching of Unitary Plan rules; congestion charges; downgrading roads to loose chipseal. As your councillor, I'll advocate for North Shore to get it's fair share. www.johngillon.co.nz
Why I want to be elected
As an Auckland Councillor, I will put community first and fight for the North Shore. I will prioritise: cleaner beaches/streams; safer neighbourhoods; fixing Lake Road and Onewa Road; retaining parkland; restoring slashed local board funding; improving maintenance; protecting heritage; increasing compliance enforcement. I will fight against: building where there’s flood zones or insufficient infrastructure; breaching of Unitary Plan rules; congestion charges; downgrading roads to loose chipseal.
My key skills and qualities
As Chair of Kaipātiki Local Board for eight years, I’ve proudly led a cohesive, stable and strong board. I have 18 years governance experience, inc Auckland Kindergarten board, a community centre and school BOT. I’ve helped thousands of people with local issues, and ensured that I’ve kept the community informed about council projects, plans and events. I have experience of representing the community at multiple hearings on resource consents. Background: Technical writer and small business.
My top three key issues
1. Prevent future flooding in Milford/Wairau catchment and elsewhere through investment in upgrading overburdened stormwater infrastructure, increasing preventative maintenance, progressing "Making Space for Water" programme. 2. Fix Lake Road and Onewa Road; Oppose the proposed congestion charge (free public transport is a better option). 3. Prevent inappropriate developments that breach Unitary Plan zoning rules, including developments on flood plains. Review Unitary Plan and close loopholes.
My position on key topics
Transport
* Bring Auckland Transport into Council. * Fix Lake Rd: Add a new lane in each direction between Hauraki Cnr and Belmont, inc transit lane to increase bus patronage. Upgrade green route from Devonport to Takapuna, inc a Francis St to Esmonde Rd walking/cycling bridge connection. * Fix Onewa Rd: Create fulltime clearway in both directions. * I oppose proposed congestion charge - free public transport is better option. * I oppose closure of Northcote ferry terminal; reopen Stanley Bay.
Water
Stormwater needs a higher investment and prioritisation of local projects, as well as proceeding with the planned Making Space for Water programme. Stages 2 & 3 of Wairau Catchment upgrades need to be funded and broguht forward. I support the planned upgrades to North Shore wastewater pipes and pump stations, but there needs to be more investment into preventing sewage spills into our waterways and beaches. North Shore needs an additional drinking water supply connection.
Built environment
I am concerned that every week Auckland Council receives over 100 applications to breach Unitary Plan rules with many of these being approved, and without consulting neighbours. The UP is due to be reviewed next term, and it’s imperative for the North Shore to have a strong voice at the council table to rein in its excesses and close loopholes. I support retaining Special Character Areas, and ensuring development only occurs where there is adequate infrastructure, and not on flood plains.
Natural environment
I support investing in preserving our environment; retaining and expanding our reserves; investing in pest-free initiatives, kauri dieback prevention and climate resilience. I do not support sale of parkland. Under my leadership investment into the environment and pest-free initiatives in the Kaipātiki Local Board area has been supercharged. I propose to create a new regional park by combining three Birkenhead parks: Chelsea Estate Heritage Park, Kauri Point Centennial Park & Chatswood Reserve.
Community
Under my leadership of the Kaipātiki Local Board, I’ve ensured significant investment into third-party community partners to deliver community development, placemaking, networking and events at a far cheaper rate and a faster outcome than Council could ever deliver directly. It is important to support "on the ground" organisations to contribute to the social cohesion of society and prevent issues arising. In many cases, facilities are best run by community groups, such as community centres.
Economic and cultural development
Council has a role to ensure investment and rejuvenation of our town centres and business areas, however there is a balance to ensure that business does not suffer during or post construction. Safety needs to be improved in town centres. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is a failed model and needs to be brought fully back into Council, inc stadiums. I supported bringing Eke Panuku back into Council. Wairau Valley would benefit from being a BID. The BID team in council needs more support.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Relationships with Mana Whenua and Mata Waaka are important. I supported the dual naming or renaming of many of our reserves in Te Reo, to help enhance the visibility of Māori language. I support the development of the Beach Haven Marae. The new maintenance contracts need to allow for local procurement. I did not support the sale of airport shares, but now we need to ensure that the Future Fund delivers for Aucklanders. I support storm recovery and the Making Space for Water programme.
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.