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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.
Jess ROSE
Candidate for Waitākere Ward
Future West
Candidate statement
First elected in 2016, I’m bringing solid board experience and a fresh face to Waitākere Ward. I started work in a trade but now have degrees in both business and anthropology, and I’m a certified project manager. I’ve held governance roles on the Manukau Harbour Forum, Auckland Climate Advisory and Women in Urbanism. I’m well known around the council table for working collaboratively and building relationships for the benefit of the local community. Preparing our suburbs for the challenges of climate change and protecting our people, parks, nature and waterways for future generations is my highest priority. With your support, I’ll champion local decision-making, safer neighbourhoods, and more affordable transport options. I’m driven by the values that make the West unique: whānau, fairness, and a fierce pride in where we live. For an effective team that will get the west its fair share, vote Jess Rose and Shane Henderson
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 15 years experience in Central and Local Government and a career spanning housing, transport, education and conservation. While I've come from community development (not politics), I not only have experience where I need it, I know how Council works. I have degrees in both business and anthropology, and I’m a certified project manager. Not afraid of rolling up my sleeves, I’ve self-built a low-energy ecohome with my husband. I’m really passionate about people living well.
My top three key issues
With climate action at the centre, my top three priorities are bold, but not out of reach. I’m passionate about the way they interconnect for a healthier and safer city, with people at the heart: 1. Fix congestion and lower emissions, getting the city moving smarter, cheaper and healthier. 2. Protect people and nature, through better planning, design, resources, education and forethought. 3. Secure funding and empower local communities and groups to lead in the areas they know best.
My position on key topics
Transport
Auckland makes most of its emissions from household cars. We have to get people out traffic: Bring back half-price fares and connect more neighbourhoods to key transport hubs; from protected bike-paths, to shuttles for our coastal 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 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 and stops urban sprawl while delivering quality 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. Get a pool for West Auckland! 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
Support reduce, reuse and recycle in waste recovery, and promote groups like the ReCreators and our new Tipping Point centre. Support local jobs for local people, eg youth and older adult employment programmes to encourage local work opportunities. Support the activities and initiatives of business associations to promote safer town centres and local economic development. Like local business awards, more outdoor dining and getting people out and about shopping in our local townships.
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.