Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Connor SHARP
Candidate for Waitematā Local Board
City Vision
Candidate statement
There is no place like Auckland. I love our city, especially Waitematā, where I studied for my masters and where I live and work. Like any community, we have urgent challenges requiring positive decisions and I strongly believe the best solutions are locally led, involving all voices. My work in the non-profit sector as an advocate for better transport and housing has ensured locally-supported solutions are delivered as promised. I’m a City Centre Residents’ Group committee member. My knowledge, skills, and experience will strengthen the local board. Better public transport, walkable and bikeable streets, safer speed limits around our schools will make our communities more family-friendly. I support more public spaces to bring people together, green spaces to soak up heavy rains, and urban ngāhere to cool our neighbourhoods. City Vision will deliver community-focused solutions so everyone can flourish in Waitematā. Vote for me and the energetic City Vision team.
Why I want to be elected
I love Tāmaki Makaurau. Our wonderful city – defined by her maunga, ridges and valleys and sparkling harbour – is a kete of many different people and cultures. My heart belongs in Waitematā, where I call home. Like any community, we have urgent challenges requiring positive decisions - whether in transport, climate change, or housing. I strongly believe the best solutions are locally led, involving all voices. I, along with our City Vision team, want to build a city where everyone can thrive.
My key skills and qualities
I have a Masters in Geography focused on housing policy and cities. My work in the non-profit sector advocating for better housing and transport has seen me engage with communities and Council to ensure locally supported solutions were delivered as promised. I'm a member of the City Centre Residents’ Group committee. I bring knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver community focused solutions that not only solve the challenges of our city today, but help ensure future generations flourish.
My top three key issues
My priorities for a thriving Waitematā are: 1. More walkable and bikeable streets plus great public transport, so we all have affordable, safe, and intuitive choices for getting around. 2. Advocating for more homes to suit all kinds of households, close to where people work, shop, and play, with welcoming public spaces where we can meet and relax. 3. Connected and climate-resilient neighbourhoods, with green spaces to help soak up heavy rains, and urban ngāhere to cool our streets in summer.
My position on key topics
Transport
I support providing real transport choice for Waitematā so people and goods can move safely and freely - while improving our air quality and reducing emissions. We need better public transport through reliable and frequent services and the completion of the safe cycleway network - particularly in the Inner West. I will also work to restore safe speed limits around our schools and residential communities, and seek to reduce rat-running by creating quiet, low-traffic residential neighbourhoods,
Water
I will advocate for investment to ensure Auckland's water supply is safe and sustainable, and our infrastructure is well supported for Auckland's growing population. This includes protecting our wonderful Hauraki Gulf, and ensuring our beaches are swimmable and clean through proper wastewater management. I fully support further investment in resilience works to prevent future flooding in at risk areas of Waitematā, especially as more climate change supercharged storms are inevitable.
Built environment
I will advocate for more homes close to where people want to live, work, and play, so everyone can afford to live in Auckland, and our various communities in Waitematā. I think development should occur near major transport corridors, and follow good urban design, to ensure density is done well. I support Councils Housing first approach, to reduce homelessness in our City Centre and other suburbs. Our cultural and natural heritage, especially Māori heritage, should be enhanced and protected.
Natural environment
I support investment in more green spaces to soak flood waters, and more urban ngāhere to cool our streets in rising summer heats. This should provide more biodiversity, using natives where practical, and create habitats for birds and insects. Investment in our parks and green spaces should also improve urban amenity, and incorporate community gardens where possible. I will also advocate for protection of our Hauraki Gulf to prevent overfishing and ensure our waters are pristine.
Community
I support fully funding our community facilities, parks, and libraries, to ensure they are run and maintained well. I believe it is important to ensure equitable access of our community facilities and local services, so they are accessible for everyone in Waitematā. I will seek to improve our public spaces so we all have places to meet, relax and connect - especially in areas of urban development. These should be friendly to everyone, especially kids, so our communities can welcome everyone.
Economic and cultural development
I will advocate for implementation of business support measures as a norm during significantly disruptive projects, and support our local businesses and business associations to enhance the prosperity of our City Centre and town centres. I support funding economic development programmes, particularly for Māori and youth, as well as our many amazing events. I will support local board investment and advocacy for the arts in Waitematā, to ensure our diverse cultural sector thrives.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I support upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensuring Māori have meaningful partnership with local government and decision making. This includes supporting the right of Māori to have direct elected representation. I believe it is vital Council takes an intergenerational view of our decision making and use of public assets, and involve all voices. These should remain in public hands, and any additional funding from the Future Fund should support the long term goals of all our communities.
Candidate's supporting links
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