Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Jess ROSE
Candidate for Waitākere Ranges Local Board
Future West
Candidate statement
A fresh face for Waitākere, but no stranger to council. I’ve been asked by friends and colleagues to bring my wealth of governance experience and excellent track record to our ward. I’ve worked in both private and public sectors across education, housing, and conservation. On council, I've led portfolios across transport, environment, and community development, where I’ve championed integration of climate action into decision making. From how we plan our neighbourhoods to how we strengthen local resilience. If elected, I’ll make sure your rates deliver you value. I’ll defend the Ranges Heritage Area (Te Wao Nui-a-Tiriwa), support the Dark Sky initiative and making our beaches swim-safe. I’ll advocate for better upkeep of our roads and cheaper transport options for everyone. With your support, I’ll be your voice for a Waitākere that’s safer, more equitable, and genuinely great for all who live here. Vote for me and the Future West team.
Why I want to be elected
I’m standing because I want to protect this environment that sustains us all. Climate change isn’t something far away, it’s here, and it’s urgent. I want to reduce the impacts on our community, and to manage them when they happen in future. The former Waitākere City Council has ensured that we have great bones to build from and I’m committed to helping create neighbourhoods for our families that are safer, more equitable, and genuinely sustainable.
My key skills and qualities
I'm a westie, with two-terms as a local board member and a career spanning housing, transport, education and conservation. I not only have experience where I need it, I know how Council and governance works. I have degrees in both business and anthropology, and I’m a certified project manager. And I’ve self-built a low-energy ecohome with my husband and I’m really passionate about people and community.
My top three key issues
With climate action at the centre, my top three priorities are bold, but not out of reach: Fix congestion and lower emissions, getting the city moving smarter, cheaper and healthier. Protect people and nature, through planning, design, education and forethought. Secure funding to empower communities to lead in the areas they know best.
My position on key topics
Transport
Bring back half-price fares and connect more neighbourhoods to key transport hubs from bike paths, to shuttles for coastal and hard to reach areas. Reduce congestion and unlock the full potential of our CRL by sorting out level crossings and improving the western service beyond Henderson. Advocate for council adoption of the Healthy Streets Framework to make streets safer for kids and more pleasant for everyone.
Water
Support investment into planning and delivering our stormwater and wastewater system to meet the needs of growing communities and changing climate. Advocate for rainwater tanks in all urban development. This will slow heavy rainfall from flooding stormwater drains and can support periods of dry weather with local supply. This can also make access to water cheaper for households if they use the rain water for non-potable supply, like washing machines and toilet flushing.
Built environment
Support co-design of community facilities or transport infrastructure before any spades hit the ground. Advocate for a better urban ecology planning framework to acquire new green space as the population grows. Advocate for better planned urban development that creates green corridors while delivering housing. Support affordable housing where parks, placemaking, shops and schools are within walking distance.
Natural environment
Continue to protect our Ranges Heritage Area – Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa and advance the Dark Sky Sanctuary across our stunning west coast parks. Support the amazing community groups restoring habitats for native species: from planting and trapping to education, rescue, and rehabilitation. Fight for ongoing investment in infrastructure that keeps our beaches safe for swimming year-round and supports a thriving moana. Protect native bats and birds by reducing light and noise pollution in our city.
Community
Continue to ensure parks, community centres and sports facilities are available and accessible to the public Fund and support libraries in their growing importance as community activity and information hubs. Continue to fund diverse and vibrant community led events eg via EcoMatters, Community Waitākere, and Hoani Waititi Marae. Grow participation and support for neighbours day and make applying for community grants easier to see and do.
Economic and cultural development
Fund projects that promote shopping local, eg street festivals, cultural events and our excellent markets. Support the activities and initiatives of business associations to promote safer town centres and local economic development. Support local jobs for local people, eg youth and older adult employment programmes to encourage local work opportunities.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Support making council consultation accessible, with public engagement conducted in person and at public venues. Support civics education in schools so that future generations are equipped for informed, just, participation. Support the building of Te Henga marae and papakāinga and amplify the leadership of Te Kawerau ā Maki by upholding their values in local decision-making.
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.