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
For six years I have been asking you (my community) to allow me the opportunity to stand and be given the honour to represent the town which has nurtured my childhood, given me the pride to bring children into this town. I have watched our local governance become more and more politically aligned - especially since the emergence of the politically created experiment I call the Super (Dooper) City. We don't need political inspired groups - we need local (and vocal) representatives. I know Papakura; I love Papakura. I want to stand up and represent Papakura! Please vote for Karin Kerr. Thank you in advance for any and everyone who ticks my name. Change for the better.
Why I want to be elected
Our Local Board must be seen and acknowledged as a representative of Papakura as a whole. The ability to listen and respond effectively to community needs and wants. #1 What is needed and once achieved then #2 the wants of our community will become the priority. NEEDS first Our township is losing its iconic events (such as our revered Christmas Town parade) at the cost of building up adjoining areas. We must retain our identity and allow other parts to build their future iconic events
My key skills and qualities
The ability to listen and to discuss are the skills I will proudly bring to our collective table. Papakura has to a large extent become the poor cousin in the Auckland umbrella Maybe we are but with the right team at the helm we can pull that status down and start reaping the rewards we want and even more importantly we need!!!!!!!!
My top three key issues
#1 major issue is Rubbish - both the council service along with the illegal dumping which is out of control with current procedures not working. #2 issue which must be dealt with is the retention of important community events such as our annual Christmas parade, our ANZAC celebrations and community incentives interlinking our Township with the Community #3. issue is to give the public the ability and confidence to contact their Local Board and feel respected and part of the recovery
My position on key topics
Transport
Papakura has a major and growing problem with roads, public transport, footpaths etc. This has been ongoing since the inception of the Super City. The Local Board must start prioritising the issues the community see as high priority. The community know its town best and the elected Board are exactly that - elected as representatives of Papakura and included areas.
Water
We as a community need to have the tough discussion on where we are with water supply, stormwater and wastewater. This includes the server Veolia. Is having a different server from the rest of the Council (along with Pukekohe) working best for our community. Is that getting us the best costs? Is the community being best served? Once the renewal of contract comes up what are the best options? This must be put in front of the community and discussed or even debated then decisions made.
Built environment
Too fast and too condensed. The current people involved at council should have been more on board. To authorise the sale of our council buildings (and lands) is quite over the top and needs discussing. Transparency is what has been missing and allowed rampant development without much needed infrastructure to overload our current issues
Natural environment
This is of top priority and hard to answer as we all need to know what is in the pipeline and the catch 22 is we have to be in Council to be in the know
Community
Papakura gas a proud involvement with entities such as the Papakura Marae and Sustainable Papakura. These need to be improved on and respected for the value they give our precious community. We just need to bring the community in general more into the loop so the community improves even more
Economic and cultural development
Where the Town meets the Country was the catchword many of us grew up with. This vision has been lost to an extent with the loss of many iconic events from the township’s Town & Country Day and the Christmas Parade. In these day financial days we are living through we need to bring these back to Papakura. The community needs to support the local businesses but also the local businesses need to support the community. The Local Board needs to be the connecting force. Together we will recover.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
As mentioned above Papakura has the most amazing connection with our Maori heritage. The Papakura Marae is integral to our community and must be prioritised and encouraged to flourish. The other projects mentioned will need full Local Board and Local Councillor’s input. As I am not privy to these at present I feel my answer will have to be given more information but the priority has to be getting the best results for the monies invested into the council coffers via rates etc.
Candidate's supporting links
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