Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Stephen James JOHNSON
Candidate for Waitākere Ranges Local Board
Candidate statement
Having had a life-time connection with West Auckland I am a passionate supporter of the local community and all that is on offer to residents and visitors. I have had 15+ years' experience working within local government and have worked closely with Local Boards across Auckland. Having two primary age children (attending Titirangi Primary School) has connected me with the wide range of unique experiences that are on offer across the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area. As an independent candidate I believe I can be a voice for the whole community and will strongly advocate for building on and improving the services on offer that make our communities thrive.
Why I want to be elected
Having had experience working in Local Government (Auckland Council, Manukau City Council & Rodney District Council) I can hit the ground running and have an immediate impact. I follow closely the issues that are raised by local communities and understand where the Local Board can have the most impact. My focus will also be on the region as a whole - it is a complex political environment but I have the skills and expertise to get the best for our Local Board area.
My key skills and qualities
Life-time connection with the West. 15+ years experience working in Local Government and understand the pro-active role the Local Board can make. Active in the local community and believe in supporting local businesses. Parent to two Primary School age children (Titirangi Primary) Previously a business owner in Glen Eden. Played a keyrole in the up grade of Lopdell House and the establishment of the precinct as a whole. Keen supporter of the creative sector.
My top three key issues
The local environment is extremely important to me. The Local Board has a key role to play in enabling local communities to take action and provide the resources when needed. Improving access to council services & facilities is also a priority. The Local Board will have more funds to distribute and we need to provide more opportunities for our communities to access these funds. Community safety is also a priority. Reducing crime and improving basic council services - roading, footpaths etc.
My position on key topics
Transport
I will be pushing for more investment in what should be considered basic infrastructure that will make our roads and footpaths safer for all. We have all experienced the disruption after recent storm events and we need to invest in prevention and regular maintenance to ensure open access to all of our region. We need to carefully consider how public transport could be made more accessible and user-friendly to help with reducing congestion at peak times.
Water
Under-investment over the years has created an issue that the whole of Auckland is now paying for. There has been a huge capital input in to city-wide infrastructure that will make a difference but I would like to see local focus on the issues caused by waste water pollution at our local beaches / waterways. I would love to know that we have made a positive impact on the local environment allowing safe-swimming & recreation for future generations.
Built environment
The creation of the Super-City in 2010 was designed to bring together 7 councils to provide a more unified approach to the region. It has taken a long time to in-bed the Local Board structure to enable local decision-making and provide for our local communities. Now is the time to see action take place. I have supported the intensification around the rail corridors but would like more consideration given to protecting the unique nature of our environment.
Natural environment
The Waitakere Ranges are the lungs of our region. We need to do everything possible to ensure that we protect and provide guardianship for our natural environment. Our coastline is unique and should be celebrated but not exploited. I have been actively involved in pest-eradication and understand the role community groups can play. We all want to see bird-life flourish and recent sightings of Kaka in our suburbs shows that we can have an impact.
Community
Auckland Council play a key role in providing community services by way of Libraries, Community Centres, Art Facilities and venues for hire. I would like to ensure that the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area has improved access to these types of services and that that they are fit-for-purpose at all times. I am a passionate supporter of our creative sector and love to see local musicians, artists & creatives succeeding and can be experienced locally.
Economic and cultural development
All of our local communities need re-building post-Covid and the recent storms. I believe there needs to be a "shop-local" approach to support economic growth and local business owners. The Local Board can play a role by making event opportunities easier, providing seed funding and improving access to Council facilities. Our area has unique facilities - Arataki, Lopdell Precinct, Glen Eden Playhouse, small halls etc - I would like to see these better maintained and supported.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I support working with Tangata Whenua to ensure we are protecting our resources in the most inclusive way. At a local level I believe we should closely review and provide input in to issues that have an impact of Auckland as a whole. By doing this we will ensure that our unique area will be at the forefront and local views can be expressed. The Local Board can play an active role - I will ensure this happens.
Candidate's supporting links
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