Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Candidate statement
I've lived out west nearly all my life. I grew up in Laingholm and built our family home in Bethells Beach. I love the Waitākere Ranges, they're part of who I am. I'm standing for re-election because I want our local board to be stronger, relevant, and get its fair share. I've worked around local government for over 35 years, I know the system, how it works, and doesn't. The super city hasn't delivered for us. Our foothills, coastlines, and neighbourhoods are incredible, and they need real support and investment in maintenance. My focus is improving local transport and drainage, more funding for our communities and local arts, and protecting our one of a kind environment. As a former Bethells Fire Chief, I'll keep backing Surf, Fire, Coastguard and Emergency volunteers. Vote for someone with deep roots, real world know how, and the passion to keep pushing for the west.
Why I want to be elected
Continue to fight for better maintenance of our roads, drains & power lines to cope with more heavy rain events. Support and expand Council and community weed and pest programmes and waterway maintenance and restoration across the whole area. Try and establish green waste recycling stations in the ranges to enable our weed programmes to expand substantially. Resist centralised & wellington rules & zoning & support more local planning for quality urban development and minimising congestion
My key skills and qualities
I grew up, built a house, raised a family in the Waitakere Ranges. I served my community as fire chief, a board member on community groups & as organiser of local events. I have worked in & around local government for nearly 40 years. I know how it works & doesn't. I am passionate about working locally with local decision-making & getting stuff done. I will use all my speaking, facilitation and strategic skills to make sure our voice is heard & for us to be as powerful & effective as possible .
My top three key issues
Community: Work closely with local resident & community groups, with Te Kawerau a Maki, Ngati Whatua, Hoani Waititi & mataawaka Māori Economy: Work with business to improve town centres (security parking clean-ups events & advocacy) & promote west Auckland's tourism, creative & film sectors to attract more business whilst maintaining our special character Transport: Push for better public transport out to our foothill, bush and coastal communities as well as smaller buses on our winding roads
My position on key topics
Transport
Push for the shift of Auckland Transport work to be locally run and responsive e.g. local maintenance & smaller buses Fight for better maintenance of our roads, drains, waterways and power lines to cope with more heavy rain events. Push for better public transport out to our foothill, bush and coastal communities as well as smaller buses on our winding roads Support better access to public transport through more and safer local links, rail and road separation, free park and ride carparks .
Water
Increased quality and frequency of Council water-way maintenance More resources to support community engagement in stormwater issues on community and private property Support sewer and stormwater separation and other projects to address safe swim problem areas Push for expansion of Council water tank installation programmes and clean up of the Manukau Harbour.
Built environment
Resist centralised & wellington rules zoning & support more local planning for quality urban development & minimising congestion Advocate strongly for co-development of community facilities, parking & transport infrastructure as development occurs Advocate for a policy change on town centre cleaning levels to provide better support for our local town centres. Push for a review of our dog walking areas across the Waitakere Ranges and develop more areas like Waitipu for on and off leash play.
Natural environment
Fight for more recognition and resourcing of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area , its heritage, tracks and special ecology for Auckland. Support and expand Council and community weed and pest programmes and waterway maintenance and restoration across the whole area. Establish green waste recycling stations in the ranges to enable our weed programmes to expand substantially. Advocate, support and resource to deliver our community endorsed Climate Change Action Plan and Shoreline Adaptation Plan
Community
Work closely with local resident and community groups and with Te Kawerau a Maki, Ngati Whatua, Hoani Waititi and mataawaka Māori. Continue to support our amazing community & art organisations to have great buildings and run more local activities and events. Support more local celebrations in each town, village & area to support local connections, fun and additional resilience when needed. Work with the Piha community & West Coast Gallery in Piha to move to a new facility out of the flood area
Economic and cultural development
Work with local businesses and associations to improve town centres e.g. security, parking, clean-ups, events and advocacy. Promote west Auckland's tourism, creative and film sectors to attract more business whilst maintaining our special character. Support youth and older adult employment programmes to encourage local work opportunities and business success. Support the development of the Te Kawerau a Maki marae at Te Henga.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Fight for our maintenance contracts to be local in size, engage local businesses & be able to respond to local service needs & levels. Push for the shift of Auckland Transport work to be locally run and responsive e.g. local maintenance & smaller buses on our windy roads. Create stronger links with Regional Parks to support track opening and community engagement.
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.