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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.
David ROBB
Candidate for Rodney Local Board (Warkworth Subdivision)
Independent
Candidate statement
Holding to compassionate conservativism, I seek to protect and promote traditional values, our endowed resources, and the financial health of Rodney for many generations. Wise tradeoffs are required, but we also need to consider novel win-win approaches harnessing diverse views. I value integrity, and am particularly concerned with reducing loneliness in our communities. My wife and I live in Warkworth and have six adult children and three grandchildren. I currently serve as part-time professor of operations and supply chain management at the University of Auckland, management consultant, trustee for a non-profit organisation, and am a member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand. I served two years as a volunteer recruit firefighter. I trust my experience working/consulting in healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and insurance, and as an educator in the leading public university in each of New Zealand, China, and the US, will enable me to contribute to enhancing Rodney’s welfare.
Why I want to be elected
I want to enhance Rodney’s welfare. Holding to conservativism with a heart for community, I'll seek to protect and promote traditional values, our many endowed resources, and fiscal health. I will argue for prudent and evidence-based planning and decision-making concerning our community, assets, environment, and transport. I'm particularly concerned to reduce loneliness, uncivil discourse, and waste. There are often creative ways to improve outcomes with fewer resources.
My key skills and qualities
I value integrity (promises kept even when costly), honesty (including not over-promising), & compassion (especially for the vulnerable). My analytical skills stem from engineering training and are applied as a management professor & consultant. I seek input from diverse perspectives and ways to make wise tradeoffs & innovations to mitigate those tradeoffs. I enjoy writing and speaking - even as a bit of an introvert. I've worked on trust boards and am a member of the Institute of Directors.
My top three key issues
1. Facilitating communities that flourish and where loneliness is less prevalent. 2. Stewarding the many resources we’ve been endowed with - caring for, making the best use of, enjoying, and sharing them. 3. Financial prudence with a balanced budget, waste reduction, process improvement, and appropriate cost-benefit analysis of initiatives. Each priority relates to us and future generations, and is just as applicable to local government as to national government, families, and individuals.
My position on key topics
Transport
Rapid/approximate cost-benefit analysis (CBA) will allow our rates dollars to go further. Potholes remain an issue. CBA can determine optimal expenditure on short-term and longer-term remediation. The same for sealing of higher volume gravel roads, and for new cycleways. Safe walking should be encouraged through maintaining and installing more footpaths. Longer-term trials of public transport would benefit from considering more creative/flexible options, and several intermediate reviews.
Water
Council directly manages stormwater infrastructure and waterways, and Watercare (100% owned by Council) handles drinking water and wastewater treatment and distribution. Upgrades are restoring performance, but there is scope to consider more private sector involvement to improve outcomes - including reduced wastage of water, and overflows of wastewater. We need continued investment in water security enhancement with software, smart metering and decentralized water sources.
Built environment
I’m not an expert, but am willing to listen and learn. “Social” infrastructure (housing & facilities for education, culture, healthcare, and recreation) is as important as “economic” infrastructure (transportation & utility networks), but must be coordinated. They should synchronize with central govt policies. For sustainable growth Auckland needs more intensification. Rodney can do this without sacrificing our special character, safety, soils, and pristine beauty. Farmland can be preserved.
Natural environment
Prioritising reduced waterways/air pollution in decision-making (e.g., related to sewage overflows, urban fires/fireplaces, toxic sprays). Encouraging usage of existing public transport offerings. Promoting our many walks: users are great advocates of preservation. Usage could increase via educators and medical professionals encouraging more exercise. Publicly recognising volunteers caring for the environment and responding to environmental disasters (e.g., Civil Defence, FENZ, tree-planting)
Community
It would be great if Rodney would be renowned for (i) neighbourliness, (ii) honouring our many volunteers in emergency services, hospices, clubs, churches, etc. (iii) welcoming tourists, new residents, and businesses. Progress could be made via articles and recognition in local media, public events, presentations in local schools, and the support of charities, e.g., in connecting younger and older people, and immigrants with longer-term residents. Utilise community halls and libraries.
Economic and cultural development
Attract more light industry, education, and medical facilities, by reducing rates and compliance costs (via process improvement, waste and debt reduction in government), and highlighting the positive contribution of business (e.g., through business operators/owners presenting more in our schools). High quality and growing communities that attract businesses and employees and value our heritage go hand-in-hand with cultural facilities/events – museums, theatres, galleries, festivals, etc.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Although Port Management is outside local board authority, I believe new leadership has brought the Port a strong turnaround and a bright future. I don’t believe local government ownership is necessarily optimal, especially given the level of council debt ($13.2B as of 31 Dec 2024). Full or partial sale could be considered to pay down debt and/or contribute to the Auckland Future Fund. Interests of local communities and tangata whenua can be assured through appropriate contracts or legislation.
Candidate's supporting links
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