Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Wayne Anthony MCINTOSH
Candidate for Waiheke Local Board
Candidate statement
I am committed to supporting community organizations and especially sporting and recreation clubs, I believe these organizations are core support networks for current, future and past Waiheke residents. Ensuring these clubs have the appropriate infrastructure and representation will not only support current generations but solidify opportunities for future generations. Having come from an engineering/ technician background I have decades of experience in understanding different forms of data information. Processing this data to understand the problem and formulating an outcome that is best for the submitter of the data. I endeavor to use this skillset to understand the community's problems and concerns to make the best educated decision for a positive outcome that benefits the current demographic but also aligns with the future generations too.
Why I want to be elected
I am committed to supporting community organizations, sporting and recreation clubs, I believe these organizations are core support networks for current, future and past Waiheke residents. Ensuring these clubs have the appropriate infrastructure and representation will not only support current generations but solidify opportunities for future generations. Helping these organizations to know what and how the local board can support them when future planning and or developing.
My key skills and qualities
I come from an engineering/ technician background with decades of experience in understanding different forms of data information, processing this data to understand the problem and formulating an outcome that is best for the submitter of the data. I endeavor to use this skillset to understand the community's problems and concerns to make the best educated decision for a positive outcome that benefits the current demographic but also considers future generations too.
My top three key issues
I could list multiple issues I personally believe should be priorities within our community currently but the role on the local board is to represent the public. If elected, my position is to listen and learn the community's concerns and use my skillset to find solutions. This is achieved via Communication and Collaboration with all stakeholders for any one suggestion or concern received by the local board. Once all information us understood formulate a resolve then drive it to be actioned.
My position on key topics
Transport
Make sensible decisions that take the Environment, Mana Whenua and the targeted end user into consideration. Ensure Waiheke has appropriate maintenance infrastructure in place to not only build and develop our Roads, Paths and Parklands but also be able to fix urgently when required.
Water
For Waiheke my focus would be ensuring our run off and stormwater drainage is appropriate and that it minimizes the impacts to the environment, I believe existing infrastructure should be investigated to make sure we are not currently polluting or beaches and watercourses.
Built environment
Waiheke is unique, precious and beautiful. It is critical that we protect this uniqueness at all costs. There is a fine line of supporting tourism without over commercialization and affect the way of life for locals. Housing is also a challenge on Waiheke and particularly the cost and availability, as a young family I understand how hard it is to get on the property ladder at an affordable cost. I also understand that we are losing our young adults off the island because of this. We need a fix
Natural environment
Waiheke already has many great environmental groups, there may be some improvements but I believe my role on the board would be to support these groups and ensure they thrive in their endeavors to protect the environment in which we occupy. As we are surrounded by water the protection of our marine ecosystems is critical, we interact with it everyday and its a way of life for us Waiheke islanders. Establishing a Marine reserve is top priority.
Community
Supporting local services means investing in facilities, programs and groups that strengthen social cohesion. This requires us to collaborate with residents, iwi, local organizations and service providers by having open communication and active community engagement. This will require a hands on approach, getting out there and talking with the community to understand what they need and facilitate them getting that support.
Economic and cultural development
Waiheke is unique and a balanced approach is needed when it comes to promoting tourism and economic growth. By encouraging sustainable tourism, diversifying local products/ services and encouraging residents to 'support local' we can attract visitors while still maintaining Waiheke's charm. I'd like us to assess what the demographic of the average Waiheke tourist is and use that data to shape our campaigns, use it to diversify our audience and encourage spending.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Respecting the historical significance of local IWI is vital collaboration required in any local board decision, ensuring mana whenua is supported and understood is key for every healthy community. The Gulf Island District Plan is requiring input, I believe this local board term will be vital for Waiheke to put its best foot forward to ensure we receive the appropriate infrastructure and funding for maintenance and development for our current and future generations.
Candidate's supporting links
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