Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Miriam HARTMANN
Candidate for Puketāpapa Local Board
City Vision
Candidate statement
Tēnā koutou! Whilst living in Puketāpapa for many years, I have evolved as a mum, musician, teacher and environmental volunteer. Our family have made the most of the awesome things on offer, whether it be hanging at the skate park, exploring our amazing coastline, or going to the vibrant multicultural festival. Our strong and connected communities have an energy that draws people in. Like a symphony, Puketāpapa sings to my soul! Wanting to play my part, I started environmental volunteering on Big King maunga/Te Tātua a Riukiuta. Consequently, I connected with people who have heart and passion for our communities. These heroes deserve to be celebrated and supported through ongoing funding, backing and policy support. Puketāpapa is already terrific, and now is the time to continue deepening connections and improving things we care about. It will be an honour to represent you, so please vote for the City Vision team.
Why I want to be elected
My focus has always been on the people and places of my own neighbourhoods. Through long-standing environmental volunteering, I’ve seen the power of strong, connected communities. Whilst I have achieved a lot at the literal grass-roots level, it's clear the time is right for me to step into a leadership role. In local government, I will work hard for our citizens to support and deliver lasting change for community well-being.
My key skills and qualities
I draw on my skills, knowledge, and experience gained in many roles: mum, primary and early childhood teacher, te reo learner, volunteer, and professional classical musician. I bring strong communication skills and community knowledge. I use creativity in problem-solving, and I am always ready to see things from another angle. With my values-based mindset, I always prioritise people and the environment.
My top three key issues
Housing: Prioritise housing development alongside existing infrastructure such as water, electricity, transport, and shopping areas. Transport: How we move through our communities is key to well being. All road users need continued advocacy and support from all levels of government. Climate planning: I am passionate about planning for bold climate action because with support from council, we have the opportunity to create better lives where everybody thrives in a cleaner environment.
My position on key topics
Transport
We in the community know where the traffic hotspots are, and I will advocate for upgrades to improve safety and flow. Every citizen should be able to move around our city easily, accessibly, and safely. This must be a priority. I support the ongoing investment in active transport such as cycle pathways and walkable routes for all age groups. We need to continue improvements to public transport because these benefit everyone, from reduced congestion to quicker commutes.
Water
Addressing crucial water challenges like infrastructure upgrades, fixing wastewater overflows, and stream health need to be a key priority as Auckland continues to grow. We can build on our successful Oakley Creek naturalisation project, where empowered and proactive communities worked with council to create great outcomes: Creating places for nature, developing active transport pathways alongside the creek, and providing a protective community buffer during large storm events.
Built environment
Auckland needs great urban outcomes, where density is done well through good design, community connections are prioritised, and people live close to a variety of transport options to access their workplaces, shopping areas, and places of recreation. We need to celebrate and protect our built heritage, acknowledging places that speak to our identity and history.
Natural environment
Access to nature is a powerful counterbalance to urban life. As a long-standing environmental leader, I will build on connections and expertise amongst volunteers so that we are all supported in caring for our precious natural places. We must continue to get rid of invasive weeds so that our native species can flourish. In addition, increasing urban tree cover makes sense for erosion control, clean air, biodiversity, soil health, shade, and community wellness.
Community
Being active contributes to community well-being, and I want people of all ages and stages to have play and recreation opportunities in Puketāpapa. In particular we need to include our young people (12-25) in developing recreation, sport and social spaces where they feel comfortable and connected. We must actively collaborate with the organisations that provide immediate and longer-term assistance to community members experiencing hardship.
Economic and cultural development
Events and festivals are always popular. Keeping these local and aligned with existing groups, talent, commerce, and amenities opens the door for community leadership. Shopping locally fosters community connection and sustainability within our vibrant, diverse neighbourhoods, and the Wesley market is a great example of this which can be extended. Our cultural knowledge and history is important and needs to be both held, and shared: When we acknowledge our past, we understand our present.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Taxpayers want their money spent wisely. Council must prioritise transparency and accountability. An emphasis on communication and cooperation between council sectors will reduce duplication such as repeated roadworks in the same spot for different reasons. Drawing on indigenous values and frameworks is good for us all. This applies equally to emergency management, environmental restoration and protection, climate planning, social enterprise, business innovation, and infrastructure projects.
Candidate's supporting links
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