Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Kylee MATTHEWS
Candidate for Waiheke Local Board
Independent
Candidate statement
The Land, The Sea, The People, Te Whenua, Te Moana, Ngā Tangata. Living and working on Waiheke, I’ve spent the past two terms building relationships, listening, and problem-solving for our community. Currently as Deputy Chair, I bring a strong work ethic, initiative, and a commitment to serve. I’ve upskilled in emergency management, helped form Surfdale Residents Association, supported Electrify Waiheke’s low-emissions future, and participated in the Waiheke Marine Project. Understanding the challenges we face: housing crisis, rising cost of living, and pressures on Hauraki Gulf biodiversity. I’m focused on sustainable, conscious living, preserving our island’s unique character through thoughtful district planning and RMA reform, protecting our night skies. Community is at the heart of everything, advocating for integrated health hubs or helping people access services. Support youth leadership, affordable housing, and protecting the ecological and cultural values that set Waiheke apart. I’m here to listen, learn, and act.
Why I want to be elected
Research strategies to create long term affordable quality housing. Maintain Waiheke's special character through a lens of balanced future focused decision making. Support the existing environmental restoration work and implement dark sky's communities. Encourage community owned local power supply, through self-generation and microhubs. A refresh of our 10-year transport plan. Work with community healthcare for models that best suits our needs and different demographics.
My key skills and qualities
Astute and politically savvy, my lived experience of the last two terms have given me a good understanding of issues and processes and how to implement action across Council. I am responsive, openminded and reliable. I understand what good governance is, through ongoing professional development, active listening skills and I create a space for transparent decision-making with clear intentions that put the community first.
My top three key issues
Ensuring the Waiheke environment and eco-systems are maintained, restored and protected for future generations and supporting community led initiatives and volunteer groups. Support rangatahi for Mātauranga and skills base environmental work. A healthy, well-housed and stable community is important to maintain diversity. We must advocate for housing developments that fit the character of Waiheke. Climate reduction targets while connecting & building resilience for in our community
My position on key topics
Transport
Keeping lower speeds to encourage active transport modes and safe school travel, thus reducing congestion at peak times. Ongoing road maintenance and building infrastructure that reflects the needs of all road uses. A direct public transport route to Ōmiha/Rocky Bay. Young people, the elderly and disabled communities need to be involved in discussions and solutions for transport that works for everyone. Creating disabled friendly public service at major stops with Waiheke Health Trust.
Water
Support for increased requirements for rainwater collection and storage for all households businesses, and visitor accommodation, education on water use. Council supplements for upgrades of faulty septic systems. Storm water upgrades, better management of coastal erosion, increased maintenance schedules, include sediment & litter traps and the restoration of shellfish beds. Integrating natural riparian buffers to slow the speed of water and restore wetlands/sponge areas for flood overflow.
Built environment
Build communities not just housing by ensuring that new developments are built up in the central city and there are sufficient schools, parks and roads to support intensification. Better processes for development contributions for essential infrastructure. Ensure limits to subdivision, retaining the rural urban boundary. Monitor Waiheke's septic systems to reduce discharge to waterways. Increase construction waste recycling initiatives.
Natural environment
Fast track all marine harbor protections, ban destructive fishing methods like bottom trawling in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park area. Support indigenous led ocean governance, provide for rahui and customary management areas. Building projects need to complete a Hauraki Gulf impact assessment prior to consents being granted. Council acquisition of easements for community connection with the moana. Support Marine reserves and protection, matauranga restoration. Create Rangatahi opportunities.
Community
Increasing local board budgets that support collective action through community led initiatives. Systemic and structural change happens when we work together. Support upskilling youth and connecting them with city opportunities and increasing their kaitiaki/responsibility skills for increased environmental protection. Support affordable transport and investigate shared housing and housing security. Involve Rangatahi in the decision making process.
Economic and cultural development
Promoting and partnering with community organisations and business hubs. Commercial kitchen for community use at incubator hubs ie: Ostend Markets to build circular economies. Enhancing the beauty of the island, clean and clear spaces, easy access to nature spots and encouraging eco and cultural tourism practices. Having tiaki standard for visitors to enjoy our way of life. Work with Community Arts, Environment and tourism groups for opportunities to evolve.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Create a rail system replacing trucks reducing heavy traffic transportation from the Ports of Auckland. Support mana whenua rich history by protecting sacred places and sharing stories. Urban development of sponge cities and maintenance of storm water infrastructure. Grow the Future Fund by investing in our people, our biggest asset. Create a vibrant city that buzzes with multi cultural identity, from food, dance, story telling, making our city a place to live and play in.
Candidate's supporting links
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