Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Josie HEAP RAINER
Candidate for Waiheke Local Board
Candidate statement
Kia ora koutou, My dream came true in 2016 when Waiheke became home for our whānau, a place I’d admired for its creative spirit and strong community. We’re proud to be part of this motu, where we live and work. I’ve served in community roles: Waiheke Connect (Chairperson), Artworks Theatre (Board), and the Gymnastics Club (Treasurer). I work with Waiheke Winegrowers (Comms/Secretary) and co-run the W3 wāhine network. I bring communication skills, local insight across diverse sectors, and a make-it-happen attitude. I’ll champion transparent decisions grounded in community knowledge and reliable data. Sustainability is my lens, from hauora, housing and transport to water, waste, and shared spaces. I’ll advocate for our tamariki and community groups so they’re supported and heard. I support a locally driven Destination Management Plan and initiatives like Dark Skies Waiheke - showing tourism, environment, and community working together. Tēnā koutou. Te Atiawa is my iwi linkedin.com/in/josierainer
Why I want to be elected
I’ll be a voice for our whole community, listening, balancing needs, and making sure Waiheke’s priorities are heard. My focus is keeping Waiheke liveable: secure housing, strong community, supporting youth and older residents, and making tourism sustainable so it gives back. I’ll back the work already underway on the Destination Management Plan so we have the data and united voice to secure a fair share of funding.
My key skills and qualities
I’m a connector and communicator with 20+ years in community, marketing, and stakeholder roles. I listen, bring people together, and make things happen. On Waiheke I’ve served with W3 and Waiheke Connect, worked for Sculpture on the Gulf and the Wine Growers Assoc, and co-ran Waiheke Recruitment, giving me strong local knowledge and networks to turn ideas into action.
My top three key issues
1. Keep Waiheke liveable so families, youth, older residents, and local businesses can thrive. 2. Protect our land, water, and biodiversity, backing the 40+ local groups already doing this mahi. 3. Complete the Destination Management Plan - our united voice for sustainable tourism and the evidence we need to justify fair funding and guide investment.
My position on key topics
Transport
Ferries are our lifeline, yet Waiheke trips remain among Auckland’s highest per-km transport costs. I’ll back momentum for full integration into Auckland’s public transport network so fares are fair and services reliable. I’ll also support safer walking and cycling, like a pathway on the Onetangi Straight, making it easier and safer to get around.
Water
Waiheke relies on rainwater tanks, and climate change is bringing more droughts and downpours. I’ll support the Local Board’s work on water resilience by backing strong wastewater and stormwater management to keep our beaches clean, and by supporting rainwater storage, wetlands, and streams that protect our ecosystems and supply.
Built environment
Growth must reflect Waiheke’s unique character, protecting landscapes, heritage, and coastline. I’ll back housing that meets local needs, support balanced land use for residents and businesses, and ensure development adds to community wellbeing rather than puts pressure on it.
Natural environment
I’ll support mana whenua, particularly Ngāti Paoa, and the many local groups working on pest control, planting, coastal care, and protecting the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke already has dozens of volunteers restoring habitats, and backing this mahi builds resilience and ensures future generations inherit a healthy, thriving island. I’ll also support all efforts to eliminate Caulerpa.
Community
I’ll back projects and facilities that bring people together, like shared spaces and the long-awaited community pool. Building on the Local Board’s support for health and wellbeing, I’ll advocate for youth opportunities, recreation, and services that connect and care for older residents.
Economic and cultural development
Tourism can be a force for good when it supports our community. With nearly a million visitors a year, we need a strong case for visitor contributions like the wharf tax to be reinvested in Waiheke. The Destination Management Plan will give us the data and united voice to justify that reinvestment and guide where it should go. I’ll back local businesses, culture, and community projects so the island thrives year-round.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I’ll work with mana whenua, particularly Ngāti Paoa, to weave culture and heritage in our island life through naming, signage, and Māori-led projects. Building on existing partnerships, I’ll support opportunities that ensure local stories and culture guide how we welcome visitors and shape Waiheke’s future.
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.