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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.
Kent NEVILLE-WHITE
Candidate for Upper Harbour Local Board
Candidate statement
I reside in the East Coast Bays area and work in Glenfield and, of all of the North Shore area, it’s the present growth challenges in the Upper Harbour area that interest me most. There’s so much to do even with the looming council rates increases in our headlights. As an independent, I’m behove to no one except the ratepayers of the Upper Harbour area. Better critical decisions and unique solutions at all points in the local government process are needed more than ever to keep costs down and with my decades of experience in business ownership and property management I’m committed to help in the best way that I can. I’d appreciate your support so vote Kent Neville-White for Upper Harbour Local Board.
Why I want to be elected
I am a proud Aucklander having lived here for all but two years of my life. Our city fringes are bearing a greater burden with the extensive growth we are experiencing. Historically we have been poor at managing this growth. I want to help manage and shape the City for the future.
My key skills and qualities
I have solid financial governance, business operation and property management experience. These transfer well to municipal facilities management. I have intuitive problem solving and comprehensive communication skills. I can help find solutions and communicate these simply. I have some strategy and planning governance experience in tying these two skill set groups together to manage change.
My top three key issues
I am concerned by the pressure that Council Rates are putting on households. At every level we need critical spending decisions to reduce this burden. There are a great number of excellent community groups who have the plans and the energy to make a difference. They need more support to get resource and funding to continue their good work. The Auckland Council now have the power to set AT strategy and policy. We can influence this at local board level and return the power to the community.
My position on key topics
Transport
Our bus network continues to serve us well on the North Shore and Upper Harbour areas. However we need better connections to our main bus routes. I'm not convinced extensive cycleways at the expense of all other transport options have the numbers to be practical. There is a better balance required. There has been a clear failing in Auckland Transport to support businesses in their policy and strategy. Local businesses mean local jobs and less commuting.
Water
I have seen great improvement in Watercare communicating main projects to the community but I'm aware that this is not always the case. Personally, I have had good and bad experiences with Watercare service. I can see the human component in their success and failings. Much of our below-ground infrastructure is as old as the city and that creates immense depth to their challenges. I feel there can be better communication between the company and the people. At local board level we can help.
Built environment
I'm excited for the central city population for logical intensification around the CRL but that means very little to the fringes of the city. I am dismayed at the lack of progress in the Albany stadium area but excited by the potential around Whenuapai. We need more investment and priority of council infrastructure to smooth the growth bumps ahead.
Natural environment
Our local civil defense and emergency resilience is very poor. It's incredibly hard for households under immense budget pressure to also maintain resources in preparation for emergencies. Expiry dates make every incident a lottery for most of us. There may be solutions that need local board support to gel. We are surrounded by awesome natural spaces. We are also well served by environment focussed community groups. They need support to continue their good work.
Community
It seems the key to building community wellbeing is to support the volunteers in the community groups who have this matter at front and centre of their focus. With support they can grow and meet the needs of a our growing community. Solid relationship building is key.
Economic and cultural development
My focus is on looking at businesses and how we can keep them going with local support. Stronger local businesses employ more local people who travels shorter distances to work resulting in better life balance and stronger local economy. In my experience, strong local businesses also support local sporting and cultural events. This sort of altruism has dissipated in the face of the pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. It needs rebuilding.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I suspect that Auckland might have to face the prospect of the Port operations being moved. How local businesses will be impacted will need transparency and communication. Local boards will have a big part to play in this
Candidate's supporting links
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