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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.
Grant Robert CRAWFORD
Candidate for Waiheke Local Board
Candidate statement
Waiheke has been wonderful to us as a family, allowing genuine connections with people and to the environment that we value greatly. As a keen yachtsman, I'm fortunate to have grown up exploring and learning from the Hauraki Gulf. Today I am active in the marine business and tourism sectors with Waiheke By Sea and Tourism Waiheke. A key role is Steering Group member of the Waiheke Marine Project, which collaborates with mana whenua and our community to protect and regenerate the marine environment. Other roles where I have applied my maritime experience include community and business groups such as the Waiheke Boating Club, the Tourism Business Association (Witi), and the Waiheke Local Board's past Transport Forum. I believe that my contribution to the future health of Waiheke should balance environmental, economic, and cultural perspectives to help residents, their families, mana whenua, visitors, and all creatures to thrive.
Why I want to be elected
Should I be successful in reaching the new board, I will apply my hard work ethic, skills and knowledge to be an effective balance for a community I cherish. Waiheke has been wonderful to our family, allowing genuine connections with people and to the environment that I value greatly. It's time to give back and make a positive contribution.
My key skills and qualities
I am a resident a small business operator and contributor to our community through sports and business groups. I have applied my experience and energy to community and business groups such as the Waiheke Boating Club, the Tourism Business Association (Witi), and the Waiheke Local Board's past Transport Forum.
My top three key issues
In addition to listening to the community, three of the key issues are a Marine Regeneration and Protection strategy for Waiheke's entire coastline - Helping the small business recovery. particularly in the visitor sector & Improving Infrastructure, such as Sports facilities Wharfs and Transport hubs. These areas need thoughful treatment for Waiheke to retain its special character, to be any easy and memorable place to visit and be a viable place to live and for families to thrive.
My position on key topics
Transport
For Ferry transport we need to support a competitive environment and encourage investment in efficient technologies that minimise fares, lower emissions and allow the operators to be viable so that the service levels are high. The past Local Board has done well with encouraging walking and cycling which has been positive and we have a very frequent bus network. Improving our wharfs, Jetty’s and Boat ramps would allow easier recreational boating for more of the community.
Water
Waiheke should continue to collect rainwater at Households and Businesses without reticulation. Waiheke Recourses Trust is doing great work with improving Septic Tank knowledge and leading to more frequent checks. Ensuring the water reaching the seas through our streams is super clean is critical to improving the marine environment.
Built environment
Waiheke should retain it's more rural status - there are changes needed in regulations around the permitted use of small visitor units so that they can be lived in. This will help with employees of the visitor sector as well as the wider community.
Natural environment
A key role is as a Steering Group member in the Waiheke Marine Project, that collaborates with mana whenua and community to protect and regenerate the marine environment. The direct threat of Exotic Caulerpa seaweed was uncovered 740 days ago and I am proud of my ongoing contribution towards this challenge within this team. The Koura/Crayfish survey is now in its 5th year, helped by the 4-species rahui by Ngāti Pāoa. I would like to see continued marine collaboration that enables abundance
Community
I plan to continue my connections to the Waiheke Boating community, the Waiheke Marine Project and the Witi, the Waiheke Tourism Business association. The voices of all sectors and age groups of Waiheke need to be considered in all decisions and plans
Economic and cultural development
Helping small business and the visitor sector recover will help with employment prospects on Waiheke. Ensuring that the visitor experience includes active and cultural aspects as well as the strong hospitality offer is important. Encouraging longer stays rather than greater day visits is preferred, so that the footprint is lighter and the experience more memorable. Helping improve Waiheke as a commutable to the CBD place to live will also see our economy improve.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
At Waiheke, building a trusting relationship with Ngāti Pāoa and other Hauraki iwi will be important
Candidate's supporting links
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