I have over 20 years’ experience working in the hospitality industry, including a range of roles with the Portage Licensing Trust - from bartender, wine steward and bottle store attendant to bar manager. I have also owned and operated two hospitality businesses. In 2000, I returned to bar work but left a duty manager role after becoming disillusioned with the growing focus on pokies, which came at the cost of creating welcoming spaces for social drinkers and diners. I believe that’s the problem with the Trusts today. I’m standing with the West Auckland Licensing Trust Action Group (WALTAG) because I support amalgamating the Trusts for greater efficiency, allowing more competition to improve hospitality for locals, and demanding more transparency in how our community’s money is used.