Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Xan HAMILTON
Candidate for Waiheke Local Board
Candidate statement
Kia ora - I'm Xan, and I'm running for Local Board because I love Waiheke, and am committed to champion the needs of its residents and its environment as a Local Board Member. My experience (and passion!) is in building community and community spaces, sustainability of people and the planet, cycling, and the arts. I have created community-building events, lead cycling initiatives, advocated for the environment and created change in city bylaws. I work with organisations focused on disabililty, mental health and aged populations, and am on two performing arts boards - Auckland City of Music and Artworks Community Theatre, in addition to the Waiheke Connect and Cycle Action Waiheke committees. Listening to the community, considering different perspectives and advocating for collective needs - while pushing to protect Waiheke's fragile environment - results in positive outcomes for all. You can find me at the Bowling Club on Wednesday nights!
Why I want to be elected
My goal for Waiheke is to lead the community to be socially and environmentally secure, retaining our unique character, while making common-sense decisions that benefit everyone on the island. I am dedicated to listen to and work with all groups on Waiheke to advocate for our needs. Community resilience is a crucial issue for Waiheke, which is facing environmental, housing and cost of living pressures. My collaborative approach with government and organisations will help achieve this goal.
My key skills and qualities
I have served on community boards across jurisdictions, advocating for resilient communities through environmental, transportation and social initiatives. I have worked with local government on projects that have had lasting social impact; I have petitioned for - and changed - local laws that benefit community resilience. I am a sole trader in the arts, and work for organisations focused on better outcomes for youth, disability, mental health and marginalised communities.
My top three key issues
Thriving Environment. Our oceans and land water are under pressure; our streams are polluted. Faster response against caulerpa, testing and remediation of our streams and of the Hauraki Gulf. Water in all forms is crucial for our existence. Resilient Communities. Waiheke's long-term housing stock and cost of living crisis is forcing people off island. We need to ensure families can stay on island and thrive. Auckland Council income generated from Waiheke supports Waiheke initiatives.
My position on key topics
Transport
Waiheke needs a connected low-impact transportation plan with well-built roads. Waiheke's tourism numbers swell over the summer, with a growing number of people choosing e-bikes. Children should be able to independently walk and cycle to school. We need robust and clearly communicated walking and cycle infrastructure for everyone's safety. The Waiheke Pathways plan helps guide this; Waiheke's 10-Year Transportation Plan is due for a refresh in 2025.
Water
Unlike most of Auckland, Waiheke is on private septic systems, of varying ages and levels of functionality. Groups like Waiheke Resources Trust have done a great job with septic workshops, etc. backed by the Local Board. We need to provide assistance and incentives to households to check and upgrade their systems, if necessary. During storms leach fields are overwhelmed and sewage flows into runoff, and onto our beaches. We need to do whatever we can for the health of our waterways.
Built environment
Waiheke is experiencing a housing shortage largely due to expensive short-term rentals, forcing families off island, and people into a state of unprecedented homelessness, increased deprivation and staffing scarcity. With Council incentives (reduced permitting fees, etc.) short term rentals can be repurposed to long-term rentals for housing security. Housing security is essential for stability, for families, for vibrant, flourishing communities. One in six Waiheke homes are holiday rentals.
Natural environment
Amongst my top priorities are returning underused infill sites to original wetland status to create native habitat and filter storm water. Regenerating dunes at Onetangi by planting natives. Ensuring viability of Te Korowai o Waiheke to continue pest eradication. Create a QR code that directs visitors to an Instagram page with points about sustainability on Waiheke and how to visit Waiheke with a low-impact itinerary.
Community
As someone with decades of community building and event-planning experience, my passion is to bring people together to understand synergies between communities. From this, I would create opportunities for communities to work together as part of a project or event, breaking down barriers and stereotypes. I have created well-attended inclusive community events where everyone has ownership over aspects of the planning; events for children; grant committee to enhance community wellbeing.
Economic and cultural development
Waiheke is a holiday destination, but economic benefits from tourism aren't always spread evenly across the island. A reduction in ferry fares would allow more families and middle income tourists to visit the island, benefiting a wider array of businesses from Oneroa to Onetangi. Currently ferry tickets are prohibitive for this demographic; this could bolster business of all sizes.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
The Local Board should always address Māori outcomes through the lens of Te Tiriti o Waitingi: principles of partnership, participation, and protection. Māori ideas and opinion need to be incorporated into decision-making processes from the beginning of discussion. As a parent of a child who attended six years at Nga Purapura Akoranga (as well as board member), and two of Piringakau, my participation in hui whānau and events support at Piritahi Marae, my understanding of tikanga has expanded.
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.