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Gemma DONALDSON

Gemma DONALDSON

Candidate for Rodney Local Board (Kumeū Subdivision)

Independent

Candidate statement

Kia Ora, I'm Gemma Donaldson. I live and work in the Northwest and want to see real, lasting improvements for our community. From daily gridlock on SH16 to storm damage and unchecked development, Kumeū deserves better infrastructure, smarter planning, strong leadership and tangible results. Leading regional charity South Kaipara Good Food, I’ve built trusted partnerships locally and nationally, delivering practical results with schools, agencies, community, businesses and government. Our unique identity matters, as does safe access to schools, green spaces, and rates spent wisely - not wasted on ineffective or unnecessary projects. We need development that protects what makes our area special and supports families for the future. I’m a committed local who listens, leads with integrity, and believes Kumeū deserves a clear, strong voice at the table.

Why I want to be elected

I’ve seen the damage floods and severe weather cause our NW community, and I believe we need forward-thinking solutions to these ongoing occurrences. Our community deserves better infrastructure, e.g. no commuter rail, no high school, poor road maintenance. I want to bring new energy and proven local leadership to help Rodney be a leader in planning, resilience, and opportunity for all families. I have connections locally, regionally and nationally to advocate for our communities needs.

My key skills and qualities

I enjoy building relationships with people locally and nationally, collaborating to strengthen community resilience. With experience in strategic planning, and leading change, I focus on turning community needs into real results while ensuring integrity and accountability are maintained. I listen, communicate, and work respectfully with different perspectives to find solutions that work. Resilient, approachable, and hands-on, I’m passionate about helping Rodney be safe and connected.

My top three key issues

I’ll push for increased transport capacity and flood resilience, because people should be able to get where they need to go safely and know their homes and businesses are protected when severe weather hits. Ensure growth is matched with the infrastructure we so desperately need, because rapid development without adequate planning leaves us without the water and waste supply and viable transport options. Advocate for rates to be spent locally and to build strong local services that we all need.

My position on key topics

  • Transport

    I want to see commuter trains return to Huapai/Kumeū /Waimauku. I want improved spending on the maintenance and upkeep of our roadways to ensure they are safe and limit damage to our vehicles I believe we need to look more closely at the need for a bypass and the desire of our community to action this to enable our town to be opened up for growth.

  • Water

    Water is one of our most precious resources and must be managed with care and respect. We need secure supply, including fair support for those relying on both town supply and water tanks. Protecting our water quality, improving our stormwater systems to reduce flooding, and modernising wastewater infrastructure are essential for our future in the Kumeū River valley Planning ahead with smart investment will keep our water safe, sustainable, and resilient.

  • Built environment

    We must stop granting building and resource consents for properties on Kumeū , Huapai, Taupaki and Riverhead flood-prone land. We need to ensure we are looking to what our community needs in the future and planning for it now. The need for a high school, better roading infrastructure and plans for more and more development needs to be addressed. The current status quo of more houses before adequate infrastructure development needs to be stopped.

  • Natural environment

    I fully support on-the-ground environmental and emergency network groups. I believe strongly in waste reduction policies, better recycling, and composting practices to protect our planet. By working together, we can make a significant, lasting impact on our natural environment. We do not plant the kauri tree to shade ourselves, we plant it so future generations can enjoy the benefit.

  • Community

    As someone who has worked in the Riverhead, Kumeū , Huapai, Taupaki and Waimauku community sector advocating for community needs, I believe in supporting locals to help locals. Our local agencies are connected and need the support of the Rodney Local Board to continue their mahi. We need facilities to support those isolated, accessible parks and libraries and community spaces for our tamariki, rangatahi and seniors to enjoy.

  • Economic and cultural development

    I’ll support initiatives that encourage people to shop local in the North-West, highlight our local producers and attract visitors in ways that benefit our towns and rural areas without losing who we are and what we value (we are rural afterall!). Partnering with industry, government (MSD flexi-wage), education providers, and North-West community groups, we can work to create opportunities for skills development and good local jobs, so more people can live and work here.

  • Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

    I’ll work in genuine collaboration with mana whenua, ensuring their voices are heard at the decision-making table. This means ensuring cultural heritage, language, and economic opportunities are central, and recognising the role of marae as some of our best and vital community hubs. As a woman of Māori descent, it is imperative that we look to the past so we can look with strength towards the future.

Candidate's supporting links

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Disclaimer

The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.