Ngā kaitono poari kaitiaki raihana ā-waipiro 2025Licensing trust candidates 2025

Portage Licensing Trust (Ward No. 4 - Titirangi / Green Bay)

Candidate statement

Over the past 20 years, I’ve seen the benefits and frustrations of our local liquor licensing rules. While we can’t please everyone, we can do better to meet the evolving needs of our community. A vibrant entertainment and sports scene can create jobs, support local businesses, and give our creative and athletic talent reason to stay and shine locally. The Portage Licensing Trust has done great work funding community initiatives and supporting those in need, but it treats our suburbs as dormitories, not destinations. I want to change that - safely and sensibly. With proper planning, we can extend hours for live music and hospitality, offer free community shuttles to reduce drink-driving, and create welcoming local hubs. I know the harms of excessive alcohol and gambling, which is why I support responsible regulation. As your representative, I’ll work for smart, balanced solutions that grow our community while protecting its wellbeing.

Portage Licensing Trust (Ward No. 4 - Titirangi / Green Bay)

WestWards

Candidate statement

As a lifelong West Aucklander, I take pride in continuing to build my life and raise my family in the community where I grew up. I’m a local tradesman who stands by hard work, honesty, and no-nonsense solutions. That’s why I’m standing with the Westwards team to bring fresh energy, real accountability, and a community-first approach to the Portage Licensing Trust. I believe the Trust’s profits should fund local recreational and community assets like playgrounds, walking tracks, sports teams, and clubs - not vanity projects or bureaucracy. I’ll push for transparency and a simpler, fairer grants process. Our community deserves leadership that listens and I'm open to a community-led referendum if there's a desire for change, because I believe in empowering people to shape the future of our community together. Vote Jared Cathcart and the Westwards team for practical leadership that delivers real results for West Auckland.

Portage Licensing Trust (Ward No. 4 - Titirangi / Green Bay)

Independent

Candidate statement

I am a supporter of the Trusts community ownership model. Unlike the rest of Auckland, our community is fortunate it can manage the proliferation of unsuitable liquor outlets, whilst gaining direct community benefit from the business profits of this problematic industry. However, hospitality is the weak link in our community owned enterprise. Unquestionably private operators do it better than the Trusts. Therefore I pledge to support a referendum at the next election in order to decide if the community wish to retain licensing trust control out 'West'. I am an experienced Independent candidate with a common sense approach. I am a strong community advocate with a proven track record of achievement in Waitakere community affairs. Community experience includes Finance Committee Chair on both Waitakere and Auckland Councils, Whau Councillor and Portage Trust President. I've lived in Titirangi for 60 years, co-raising the Pearl clan and love our close knit community.

Portage Licensing Trust (Ward No. 4 - Titirangi / Green Bay)

Trusts Action Group

Candidate statement

I’ve lived in Titirangi for over 25 years, raising my family here. I’m a successful marketing professional and business leader. Growing up with parents who ran a pub, I understand the value of vibrant local nightlife. Titirangi and Green Bay deserve more choice for dining, drinking and entertainment, but the Trusts monopoly holds us back. I stand with the Trusts Action Group and was elected in the last two elections to drive change at Portage Licensing Trust. Progress could be faster, but we’ve had wins like changing to national retail off licence brands, reducing costs, the Beerspot opens soon in New Lynn, we’re developing a hospitality strategy focused on innovation, and Iti in Titirangi has improved. But only a free market delivers real choice. If elected, I’ll support a referendum on the Trusts monopoly. I’d love your vote to help bring more positive change to our beautiful community.

Portage Licensing Trust (Ward No. 4 - Titirangi / Green Bay)

Independent

Candidate statement

Duncan Milne is a registered nurse and volunteer firefighter, so he has seen first hand the harm alcohol can do. But he's also a licencee and bar manager, so he understands that there is a place for safe sociable use. Duncan feels strongly that the Trusts should stay, but can still do better. Duncan stands for: no increase in number of bottle stores; venues will be welcoming, attractive, and safe, and will work hard to be good neighbours; The Trusts will showcase industry-leading alcohol management practices; community grants will be targeted to make a real difference for West Auckland and West Aucklanders. Give me your vote and I'll be a strong voice for our community, improving venue quality and advocating for genuine social benefit, while fighting against the proliferation of bottle stores seen in other suburbs of Auckland.

Portage Licensing Trust (Ward No. 4 - Titirangi / Green Bay)

Future West

Candidate statement

I’m a lawyer, trained mediator, and Green Bay local. I live here with my wife and daughter and am standing as your Future West candidate for Titirangi Green Bay on the Portage Licensing Trust.  I believe the Trusts can and should have a great future and they have a role to return profits to our communities, not private pockets. Trusts should serve the public good, support grassroots sports, arts, and social initiatives that make our area thrive. I bring 19 years’ legal experience and a strong commitment to transparent, community-led governance. I’ve volunteered with Suburbs Juniors for five years and other clubs. I’m active at my daughter’s school and passionate about inclusive, thriving neighbourhoods.  I commit to ensuring the Trust operates with integrity, fairness, and a firm focus on community outcomes. I’ll work to continue innovation and keep living wage accreditation. Let’s keep our local assets working for local people.

Portage Licensing Trust (Ward No. 4 - Titirangi / Green Bay)

Future West

Candidate statement

I am seeking the honour of your vote for the Portage Licensing Trust. I have always been a staunch supporter of the trusts. Growing up in South Auckland, I witnessed how bottle shops proliferated, driven by profit rather than social responsibility. The west stands in contrast to the south, thanks to the trusts. Contrary to popular belief, the trusts do not stifle competition. In Titirangi village there are six places where you can buy a beer, and only two are controlled by the trusts. The resources provided by the trusts are invaluable. My involvement with the Lopdell Trust, the Whau Coastal Walkway Trust, and the Portage Ceramics Trust has underscored their significance. If elected, I will ensure that the trusts continue to be living wage employers. I believe the management structure is overly complex and can be streamlined. Additionally, I am committed to simplifying the grants process and improving returns.