Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Damian SYCAMORE
Candidate for Waiheke Local Board
Candidate statement
I'm standing for the Waiheke Local Board because I believe our island's unique character and strong community spirit need dedicated protection and proactive leadership. Having been deeply involved in our community for years, from my role as a volunteer Community Coordinator for the Waiheke Ostend Market to serving as the General Manager of the Waiheke Community Housing Trust, I've seen firsthand the challenges we face and the strengths of our community. My core motivation is to ensure Waiheke remains a vibrant, affordable home for its long-term residents, balancing growth with the preservation of what makes our island special. I will be a competent, independent and balanced member of the Waiheke Local Board.
Why I want to be elected
Waiheke has a world that works and I want to help keep it that way. I will work to protect what makes our island special and make it work better for locals and families. That means tackling housing affordability, using the upcoming District Plan review to push for practical solutions, and fighting for a fairer share of funding from Auckland Council. Waiheke deserves an experienced, independent voice who can deliver for our community’s future.
My key skills and qualities
I have a 30-year connection to Waiheke, and as a father raising two young boys here I’m personally invested in its future. Professionally, I’ve led the Waiheke Community Housing Trust and Ostend Market, building partnerships and delivering solutions. My background in the tech industry sharpened my problem-solving skills. I bring experience, independence and commitment - the qualities Waiheke needs in an effective advocate.
My top three key issues
Waiheke can continue to be a world that works if we make the right choices now. Housing: Young families are being forced out by unaffordable homes. I’ll fight to rebalance the housing market. Community: Waiheke must remain a place where families, workers, renters and seniors can thrive. Environment: Our natural environment defines us. I’ll ensure every decision balances thoughtful development with the protection of our island.
My position on key topics
Transport
My priority is advocating for a public transport subsidy for our lifeline Waiheke ferry service. I'll also continue to champion the upgrading of our cycleways, ensuring they are safe for everyone, including kids biking to school.
Water
We need to make sure our roads and stormwater systems can handle our increasingly climate-charged world. On Waiheke, our community's self-sufficient rainwater collection and on-site wastewater treatment are key to our identity. Future planning and funding must recognise and support this unique approach, avoiding a one-size-fits-all solution designed for reticulated services that fails to account for our island's specific needs and sustainable practices.
Built environment
I want Waiheke's houses to be lived in by our community, not just used as short-term tourist rentals. It needs to be easier to build the kinds of homes our community needs - affordable, smaller homes - and I want to ensure the granny flats proposals are adapted to actually work on the island. I want to support community stability and address the housing crisis, ensuring our island remains a vibrant, year-round home for its people.
Natural environment
I'll continue to support the mahi of Te Korowai o Waiheke and others who are committed to a predator-free sanctuary for native species. I will also be a strong supporter of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill, the Hākaimangō-Matiatia Marine Reserve and efforts to ban bottom trawling in the Hauraki Gulf, ensuring the health of our precious marine environment is protected for future generations.
Community
Building a strong, connected community on Waiheke means keeping it affordable so our unique community can continue to thrive. Alongside unaffordable housing, Waiheke faces huge funding pressures to maintain its local services and infrastructure: we have a ratio of 100 visitors to every 1 resident. Our current funding model needs to be adjusted to more adequately address the added expense of island facilities and the pressure we undergo with such a huge volume of tourists.
Economic and cultural development
My vision for Waiheke’s economic future is centred on a sustainable destination management plan. I want to foreground our unique cultural and natural assets, promoting and enhancing the Te Ara Hura track, our native ngahere, and the pristine Hauraki Gulf as key attractions. I will also advocate for the promotion of Waiheke’s incredible Māori history, ensuring economic growth is sustainable and benefits the whole community.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Māori are disproportionately affected by the chronic unaffordability of housing. Māori-led housing initiatives are seeing major success around NZ - Waiheke can learn from these. I believe ensuring Māori voices are heard in decision-making is fundamental to creating fairer local government. Auckland Council should introduce a Māori Ward in the next election.
Candidate's supporting links
These links to external websites have been provided by the candidates. The content on these websites does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.