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The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Alan Roy MANN
Candidate for Waitākere Ranges Local Board
Candidate statement
I have lived in the Waitakere Ranges for 45 years - because my wife and I love the area. Prior to retiring my work life was as a Chef for six years then as a Commercial Accountant for 27 years. (Retired CA membership) My retirement interests are: family, dog ownership, home-handyman projects, keeping fit, playing golf (will resume when my knee replacement settles), and following all sports. I am interested in all Council activities with particular concerns about Council Spending - Do we have good procedures to approve and control Council projects eg How can we spend $250,000 on a roadway speed hump? - then dig it up within a year and how can we spend $800,000 on a public toilet and why do we expensively 'tinker' with controlling foliage fringing our roads - (Use a chainsaw rather than scissors).
Why I want to be elected
I will represent the views of people who love the Waitakere area as a place to live. I will advocate for financial savings in big-spend items that are not so important to the majority of our constituents (eg road humps- costing more than $300,000 each in some cases) and increase spending on initiatives like supporting our Community Houses to continue and expand their excellent work with greater focus on community programs that aid in health and fitness.
My key skills and qualities
My wife and I have lived in in the Titirangi area for 45 years - Because we really love the natural environment and the friendliness and aspirations of the people it attracts. Before I retired I worked as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a major corporate business with diverse activities throughout New Zealand and overseas. I have worked in the community as a Football Coach, Tennis Club Captain and Community House Volunteer Auditor.
My top three key issues
Road Humps - Reduce the number of new humps, remove "plain dumb" humps, shave the tops of humps that wreck the suspension of our cars. Set a standard for building of new humps in terms of Cost, Quality and necesssity. Trimming of roadside trees - Use a chainsaw rather than a pair of scissors to trim trees that overhang our roads. Open up more of our walking tracks (particularly in the Summer) and review the need for such a strict Rahui.
My position on key topics
Transport
Roads - Advocate to the Auckland Council and Central Government for resources to fix existing slips and identify and defend against high likelihood future road slips. Public transport - Why do we have so many large buses with very few passengers on board? Why not use smaller vehicles? Cycling and walking - Start a campaign to get our people to improve their visibility when cycling and walking - everybody likes to dress in black - wear at least one reflective item so drivers can better see you.
Water
Auckland Watercare is doing a great job planning for our future water supply. Our stormwater and wastewater disposal systems need a lot of work. We need better plans and implementation of strategies to handle our next serious weather event and we need to address the pollution of our beaches and other areas serviced by antiquated sewerage systems. First step - Appoint a charismatic champion (Not Donald Trump) to be responsible.
Built environment
We need to better control immigration as a means of matching our population numbers to our infrastructure development. Why allow so many people to come in and then say our health systems, our transport systems, our power supply, our pollution systems etc are inadequate?- Plain dumb! Intensification of inner city housing is on the right track - But $5 Billion for 4 km of new Rail - Rediculous! We also need to educate our builders to stop constructing leaky buildings.
Natural environment
I'm all for more open natural spaces and parks. I would also like to explore providing opportunities for people who are on the Dole long term and those on Community Service to become involved in the tidiness of our environment. As regards pollution - Hate it. All efforts to stop pollution should be insisted upon and encouraged. The council should take the lead and ban building in flood-prone areas.
Community
Over recent years various Auckland Councillors have advocated for less spending supporting our Community Houses (Who already operate on Shoestring Budgets). I would like to see greater development and support for our Community Houses and other Community organisations ( eg School Committees, Scouts, Sports Clubs, Fitness activities, Local markets, Cultural Clubs etc) all of whom help to foster a richness in our existence.
Economic and cultural development
I would like to see greater freedom and encouragement given to those who want to promote the Waitakere Area as a place to visit. eg Events like a Waitakere: Marathon, Iron-man, Kapa haka, Rugby Sevens, Football, Artistic dance, Surfing, Dragon Boat racing, Kite-surfing etc. All of these types of events will bring in visitors requiring accommodation and catering to help activate our businesses and local economy.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Maori Outcomes - I support the promotion of Maori outcomes along with other ethnic outcomes which enrich our culture. Port of Auckland - There should be a greater appreciation that management's role is to create long-term value for its owners - the people of Auckland. Auckland Future Fund - Initially capitalised with the Auckland Council's remaining Airport shares - Good idea but does it really necessitate a separate management team - Utilise our existing administration team.
Candidate's supporting links
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