Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Ivan WAGSTAFF
Candidate for Rodney Local Board (Warkworth Subdivision)
Independent
Candidate statement
As a local business owner and parent, my priority is our community. For three years, I’ve stood with you, delivering when it matters most. My practical approach cuts red tape, empowering our people, groups, and volunteers to shape our future. I’ve worked collaboratively with local board members, fostering unity to drive impactful decisions. I secured transport rate funds, sealing more roads in Mahurangi than all of Auckland combined - real results for us. I’m passionate about our sports grounds and parks, ensuring they’re maintained and upgraded for families to enjoy. Despite development pressures on our infrastructure, I’ll keep fighting for local action and community-led solutions. Our work isn’t done. I’m a proven voice, delivering for you. I ask for your vote to continue this work, keeping our community vibrant and our green spaces thriving. Together, let’s get it done.
Why I want to be elected
Mahurangi is my home. As a resident, father, and current member of the Rodney Local Board, I have a proven record of fighting for our community. I am standing again to continue getting a fair deal for Mahurangi and Rodney: By securing the infrastructure we need, championing stronger protections for our coastline, and being a strong voice for you the ratepayers, the clubs, and the volunteers that are the heart of our region.
My key skills and qualities
As a current Rodney Local Board member and local resident and father, I bring the proven experience and practical business sense needed to fight for Mahurangi's fair deal. My focus is on ensuring our rates are spent wisely on the infrastructure and services our communities deserve. I am a strong, grounded, and committed voice who will stand up for everyone from Warkworth to the coast.
My top three key issues
Fixing Our Infrastructure: Fighting for the roads, water, and transport systems our growing communities desperately need to function. Protecting Our Lifestyle: Championing our environment and character to ensure Mahurangi remains a special place to live. Investing in Families & Youth: Securing our fair deal to fund local priorities, from parks and sports clubs to opportunities for our kids to thrive.
My position on key topics
Transport
My focus is simple: getting the basics right. My track record is one of successfully fighting for more funding for the things that matter every day—fixing potholes, delivering safety upgrades on our local roads, and supporting our communities with transport options. I'll continue to be a strong voice to ensure our rates are spent here on the practical, essential improvements our communities have been asking for.
Water
My approach is simple: invest ahead of growth and stop polluting our harbour. I’ll demand Watercare upgrade our wastewater network and secure our local water supply for the future. We must enforce stricter rules on developers for stormwater and sediment control to restore the health of the Mahurangi Harbour. It’s about practical action, holding Council accountable, and getting the basics right for our environment.
Built environment
My approach is to ensure growth serves our community, not the other way around. This means demanding quality, well-designed development with a variety of housing choices. Critically, infrastructure must come first. I will not support major development without a funded plan for the roads, water, and services to support it. We must also fiercely protect the unique heritage and character of our towns, from Warkworth's historic riverfront to our coastal villages like Leigh.
Natural environment
My priority is to protect the stunning natural environment that defines Mahurangi by empowering local action. This means backing our incredible community conservation groups with more funding for pest control and habitat restoration. To build climate resilience, we must take practical steps: better manage coastal erosion, stop development in at-risk floodplains, and support planting to stabilize our land. It’s about being a true partner to the volunteers working to safeguard our future.
Community
My plan is simple: empower the local clubs, groups, and volunteers that are the heart of Mahurangi. I'll fight for more funding to upgrade and maintain our parks, halls, and sports fields so they are fit for our growing communities. I will work to cut red tape for our volunteers and champion the local services and events, from the Kowhai Festival to our sports clubs, that bring us all together. It’s about investing in the people and places that make this a great place to live.
Economic and cultural development
My vision is a Mahurangi where our kids can build a great future right here at home. My priority is supporting our local businesses to grow and create quality jobs. We do this by fixing our core infrastructure and cutting council red tape, giving employers the confidence to invest. I will champion pathways for our youth by advocating for more apprenticeships and better links between our schools and local employers. It’s about building a strong, local-first economy for the next generation.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
My focus is on proven, practical leadership. When the 2023 storms cut off our communities, I was proud to lead our local response on the ground. That’s the hands-on approach I bring to every issue—from fixing our roads to fighting for a fair deal for Mahurangi. I always focus on empowering our local residents to build a stronger, more united Mahurangi. I have a track record of stepping up when it matters most, and I'm asking for your vote to continue getting the job done.
Candidate's supporting links
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