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The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Paul MANTON
Candidate for Rodney Local Board (Northern Rodney Subdivision)
Independent
Candidate statement
Rodney is more to me than just where I live, work the land, raised family and proudly serve our community. I care deeply about where Rodney’s headed, and I want to make sure we get there in a way that protects what makes Rodney special, all while preserving our environment, history, and heritage. My Priorities: Infrastructure that grows with us; Better-maintained roads and more sealing across rural areas; Landowners deserve choice, not council-driven ideology on private land; Safe, accessible parks for all users that supports future growth. I bring 35+ years of experience in business, farm contracting, land management, and engineering. I’ve proudly rolled up my sleeves for our community through groups like the Puhoi Community Forum, Mahurangi Sports and Recreation Collective, Puhoi Landcare Group, Mahurangi Equestrian Advocacy Group and will continue to advocate and represent local groups at local board level. If elected I’ll bring a collaborative, commonsense approach.
Why I want to be elected
Our community needs a practical common sense approach to the local board , I will listen, I will put in the work and I will stand up for the rate payers and residents across the district. I will target wasteful spending and try and breakdown the barriers to Auckland Transport and other council entities so the community can get the information required to make informed decisions whilst working with the rest of the board to form a proactive and cohesive team that will deliver.
My key skills and qualities
I have worked in rate payer groups, pest control groups , on engineering training programs, managed companies and high risk finances. I bring a strong work ethic and an understanding of process and how to get the job done. I have a varied and wide range of skillsets in construction , rural farming , forestry and land management. I can read plans, understand drawings and have a project management background. I listen, I ask questions and make informed decisions.
My top three key issues
Maintenance of roads, Sealing of Roads - Rural Rodney has been passed over for decades, money has been stripped out of roading budgets and compounded into the pot hole infested tracks we have now. Costly Council Ideology - Unnecessary septic tank programs forcing everyone to get their septic tanks tested, helicopters across Rodney looking for wallabies and goats. Rate increases - council services that justify the rates or rates that justify the council services? Tell me ?
My position on key topics
Transport
- Sealed roads - continue to promote main roads get sealed across Rodney as fast as possible - Maintenance of unsealed roads prioritised. - Advocating for council to give rate relief for walking, cycling and bridal ways that cross private land for public use. - Investigate the possibility of extending the Waiwera Bus to Puhoi.
Water
There is a serious issue with a lot of the roads being built, they do not seem to design water run off more than 1m from the road. So concentrations of water are undermining the roads and creating slips. Another solution is to put a green sock on culvert pipe outlets. Is there a green sock replacement program? I have my doubts, so when the UV breaks down the sock, the water will be back at a meter from the road and start the undermining process all over again. Design proper water solutions.
Built environment
As our district grows and the development increases we need to insure that infrastructure grows with it. Large developments should include green areas , parks and all development contributions should go back into local communities. Historic and heritage areas and buildings must be protected and maintained for future generations. As urban growth encroaches on activities like horse riding, we need to relocate these historically entrenched activities, not push them aside but accommodate them.
Natural environment
Firstly, local pest and land care groups should be supported, they are spread across Rodney and do a great job with devoted volunteers. Secondly, empowering our people through education and supporting land owners to carry out pest and weed control on their properties. I do not support Council to undertake pest control or weed management on private land. Thirdly council needs to step up weed management on roads, parks and rivers to lead by example.
Community
I would advocate for the reinstatement of the Te Araroa Swing bridge that was destroyed in the 2023 Puhoi floods. This was a huge loss as it brought in economic and physical wellbeing to a huge number of Puhoi residents. It is exactly things like this that will bring mental and physical wellbeing to other communities ,be it a park or walkway a footpath, even planting some trees. The thing is the board will have to listen to what the communities need. Wellbeing is different for each of us.
Economic and cultural development
If I get on the board I will listen to any proposal that stimulates community growth and will support local initiatives. Community organisations, businesses and not for profit groups need a starting point because ultimately they need skin in the game and a supportive environment to grow. It may require removing or reducing council compliance or policy that will not allow economic and cultural growth as council rules tend to be one size fits all and in reality this is not the case.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I believe that its better to be proactive than reactive, ensure your rivers are clear of debris, make sure all water culverts and drains are maintained, all gulley traps that feed into culverts are checked regularly. I will engage with local communities and iwi to advocate that they are not isolated and have necessary safety procedures and equipment in place with relevant training required should a catastrophic event happen. I stand by what I learnt as a scout "be prepared".
Candidate's supporting links
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