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 love living in St Heliers with my wife and would relish the opportunity to give back to the Ōrākei community. I have over 40 years of international technical and business management experience, which I'd bring to the Local Board. My career took me to Europe, Canada, and the USA, helped hone my problem-solving skills, and culminated in serving as President of the Waiheke Winegrowers Association. I'm standing to bring sensible budgeting and ensure that core services are delivered cost-efficiently. My 'back to basics' approach emphasises quality infrastructure, resolving wastewater and stormwater issues for cleaner beaches; advocating for practical roading and parking solutions supporting motorists and businesses; ensuring access to community facilities and parks for all users, including dog owners; and bolstering local safety and security. With my two fellow ACT Local candidates, I'm standing to deliver real change for Ōrākei and would be honoured to have your support.
Why I want to be elected
I’m standing to bring sensible budgeting and ensure that core services are delivered cost-efficiently. My ‘back to basics’ approach emphasises quality infrastructure, resolving wastewater and stormwater issues for cleaner beaches; advocating for practical roading and parking solutions supporting motorists and businesses; ensuring access to community facilities and parks for all users, including dog owners; and bolstering local safety and security.
My key skills and qualities
I will be bringing over 40 years of technical and business management experience gained in both entrepreneurial and corporate roles. My extensive international experience has given me the skills to understand the needs of diverse communities. I am a born problem solver, and have extensive skills in team building and conflict resolution. My leadership roles in business organisations and senior committees have given me the tools I need to succeed in this role.
My top three key issues
Less waste - let's keep our Local Board focused on "back to basics" service delivery, and clear the path to lower rate increases. Better infrastructure - we need a focus on fundamentals like improved stormwater management and flood protection, ensuring that our waterways and beaches are safe and clean for ourselves, our children and our pets to enjoy. Efficient transport options - ensuring freedom of choice in how we get around, public transport users, cyclists and motorists alike.
My position on key topics
Transport
Transport choices should be practical and locally decided, not driven by ideology. I’ll make sure we fix the basics – maintain safe footpaths, clear drains, and keep traffic flowing smoothly. But I’ll oppose anti-car policies like excessive speed bumps, road narrowings, removal of parking and other measures unfriendly to business that don’t take local needs into account. We must find ways to support alternative transport options that don’t sacrifice the rights and interests of other road users.
Water
I’ll support local projects that fix flooding, clear blocked drains, and maintain stormwater infrastructure. We need real investment in pipes and pumps – not vanity projects – so water and wastewater systems are reliable, affordable, and focused on essentials for ratepayers. We need to get to the root causes of why our beaches are unsafe for swimming after every significant rainstorm, and develop a plan to address the underlying issues.
Built environment
I’ll oppose red tape that blocks development while at the same time ensuring infrastructure keeps up. Intensification needs to occur in the right places, so I support increased housing density around key transport hubs – building where it’s most needed and makes the most sense – but oppose a one size fits all approach to increasing height and density in our cherished heritage areas. Urban development is necessary, but has to be tailored to fit our unique environment.
Natural environment
Our focus should be on practical work that benefits nature and protects communities. I’ll back maintaining our parks and natural spaces, local pest control, coastal protection, and better flood management, as these are all essential for the well-being of our community. But it’s not the role of the Local Board to waste money on greenwashing projects that ultimately don’t deliver tangible results or value for ratepayers or the environment.
Community
I’ll get the basics right – fix walkways, maintain parks, open spaces, community centres and libraries, and support practical local events that bring people together without pushing politics. Well-run facilities and safe public spaces are the foundation of strong communities. I’ll be paying particular attention to safety and security in our neighbourhoods for both individuals and businesses.
Economic and cultural development
I’ll work with local businesses and community organisations to energise our villages and town centres, and improve safety and foot traffic. I’ll advocate for changes that ease traffic flow and make parking more accessible, at the same time ensuring our public transport is fit for purpose. I’ll promote and advocate for policies that cut red tape so it’s easier to hold markets, organise events, or get a licence. Strong local economies and vibrant communities go hand-in-hand.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
It's essential to engage and consult with all groups that comprise our diverse community, so everyone has an opportunity to shape our collective future. But I believe that all residents should be treated equally, without extending special privileges to any group on the basis of factors like ancestry or ethnicity. And, while out of scope for our Local Board, I believe that strategic assets like the Port and Future Fund must be run efficiently to lower rates, strengthen resilience, and stop waste.
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.