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 am seeking the privilege of your vote for the Future West candidates and me. I have lived most of my life out west, my children have grown up here and I have run my law practice here. I was previously a Waitakere City Councillor and I have served five terms on the local board. I have also been involved in significant community projects such as Lopdell House restoration and the construction of the Whau Coastal Walkway. The work is great, trying to make our piece of paradise better one decision at a time. The things that I prioritise are protecting our environment, supporting the arts and making sure our communities are cared for and enhanced. And we need to prepare for the future to face the challenges that our city faces. The west is a special place and Council has a role in making sure that this continues.
Why I want to be elected
I have been privileged to represent this area for a few terms. I have always seen my job as being to represent the interests of locals, work to protect and enhance the environment, support local groups, help our arts sector continue to flourish and make our piece of paradise better one decision at a time. If I am re-elected I will continue to work towards these goals.
My key skills and qualities
I have practised as a lawyer for 40 year in a variety of areas. I know business and structures and how to read a balance sheet. I have served as a Waitakere City Councillor and as a member and chair of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board. I also served on the board of Land Transport New Zealand and this gave me major insight into the funding and management of the country's transport systems. I believe my key skill is my understanding of Local Government and what is required to effect change.
My top three key issues
1. Protection of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area. The area is magnificent but fragile and needs a great deal of tender love and care. 2. Enhancement of Glen Eden. The Local Board and Waitakere City Council have done a lot to improve the area over the past 20 years but more needs to be done. 3. Making the area more sustainable. We are now seeing the effects of climate change. We need improve resilience and make the area more sustainable by improving public transport and urban form.
My position on key topics
Transport
I support Council's Transport Emission Reduction Pathway's proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving public transport, prioritising sustaiunable transport, improving safety for walking and cycling particularly for school kids, improving the electric car recharging network, promoting alternatives to car use and using lower emission busses. I have concerns about the proposed time of use charging system and I am worried that it will adversely affect West Auckland residents.
Water
This is a particular issue for the West. I opposed the new Water Treatment Plant in Huia and thought that Watercare could have designed a smaller plant that would have had a lesser effect on the environment. Stormwater and Wastewater infrastructure are in poor shape and need to be maintained properly so we get their full benefit. The local board has worked hard on water quality and I am pleased that in recent years Titirangi Beach, Laingholm Beach and Wood Bay have become swimmable.
Built environment
I support good quality intensification particularly around transport hubs. The Apartment blocks in Glen Eden show how this can work. Intensification has to be accompanied by improved urban form and access to community infrastructure such as parks, libraries and community facilities. I oppose urban sprawl particularly into the Waitakere Ranges foothills. The area is already fragile and recent storm damage has shown to me that the area is at the peak of its carrying capacity.
Natural environment
I was involved in the creation of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act and have been a strong supporter of it since it was passed. The Act has the objective of protecting and enhancing the local environment. I have always worked to ensure that the area has adequate resourcing and respect for its environment and will continue to do so. I have also helped local communities form their own community resilience plans as local knowledge and approaches are best.
Community
The Waitakere Ranges is blessed with a strong network of community groups, whether area based, arts, environmental or social. Hoani Waititi Marae is perhaps the most important. I have worked on maintaining relationships with them and doing my best to make sure that Council's resources are available to them. These groups are able with very modest resources to produce far better results than Council could without their help. If re-elected I intend to continue to support these groups.
Economic and cultural development
The west is blessed with quality arts, due to the beauty of the area. I was involved in the construction of Te Uru gallery and it is clear to me this has driven economic activity out west. Other examples are the Upstairs Gallery, the West Coast gallery and Open Studios. These contribute to the profitablilty of local businesses. Glen Eden does need some care, improve it and more economic activity will happen. Council has a major role in improving business conditions by improving neighbourhoods.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Relationships with iwi are fundamentally important. I have worked on my relationship particularly with Te Kawerau ā Maki and with Hoani Waititi marae. Kanohi ki te kanohi is important. The local board has dedicated resources to support these relationships. I am opposed to privitisation of Ports of Auckland. The Ports are a significant driver of economic activity. If they were privatised then over time Aucklanders would pay more and more for goods so that overseas shareholders can profit.
Candidate's supporting links
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