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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.
Peter Dennis ELLIOTT
Candidate for Waitematā Local Board
City Vision
Candidate statement
My family and I have lived in Westmere for 30 years. You may already know me as an actor, presenter, writer, or board member, flyfisher, motorcyclist and club president. Now, I am offering my experience, communication skills, and enquiring mindset to provide informed advocacy and governance through Waitematā Local Board. We need to take action. Cleaning up our local waterways now is worthwhile, knowing that the Central Interceptor project and other infrastructure will improve water quality for generations to come. Use of motorcycles and two-wheeled transport (including electric scooters) will reduce carbon and congestion. Modern public transport, architecture and intelligent planning will help create a resilient ocean-front city and its environs, for residents, recreation, and business. Our educated young City Vision team are actively engaged in making Auckland thrive, by looking forward and managing well. We will deliver it. Please vote for both me and the energetic City Vision team.
Why I want to be elected
Like all candidates I adore my home city. My family and I have lived in Westmere for 30 years, but I have stood back politically. Now, I want to work to make it the most future-capable, arts-positive, climate-resilient, infrastructurally able place to reside, travel, work and play. I want to ensure the Waitematā is clean, protected and valued, our waterways unpolluted and beaches swimmable. I will advocate for motorcycling and two wheeled transport as well as a fully integrated PT system.
My key skills and qualities
I've proven over many years that I work well with others. As an actor I've learnt and honed the craft of listening; the most important part of good communication and of advocacy. I've served on governance boards, inc. recognition with Baseball NZ, and I'm the current president of a sports club. I've been a writer, director, and presenter. I believe my experience, communication skills, rationality, and enquiring mindset will provide informed advocacy and governance for the people of Waitematā.
My top three key issues
Arts, Water, Architecture Arts - I believe Auckland should be the hub of the Pacific for Theatre, Film, TV, Visual and Music. We are uniquely positioned to empower these, as our city thrives around its CRL. Water - We cannot have a clean gulf without clean waterways feeding it, and we must preserve, clean and protect Auckland's greatest asset - her glorious harbours. Architecture - Densification is certain, esp. around our new CRL, but we must use clever designwork to ensure views and quality.
My position on key topics
Transport
Public Transport should be cohesive and consistent, operating accurately with each other, bus, train, ferry, and electrification is imperative. An overall Public Transport Plan must be made possible. Motorcycles, scooters and bikes to reduce congestion and carbon footprint. Cycleways are here, and work is needed to complete and connect them, a half done job is a waste, Auckland needs to stay forward-focussed and follow through. Motorcycle and scooter use should be incentivised not punished.
Water
Water has been a huge issue for Auckland for decades and with the Central interceptor coming on stream we will see a vast improvement to the outfalls in storm events. But this is a city in a sub tropical zone and prone to serious flooding that will worsen; flood resilience and planning is crucial to saving billions in damage later. Separation of storm and wastewater must continue to be an imperative. Daylighting of streams and the return of habitat and ecosystems will assist waterway health.
Built environment
While heritage is important, preservation should not be a blunt instrument. Far more important that we have better homes in the right places, particularly around the rapid transit network. Densification must incorporate better public space, protect natural heritage, and incentivise architectural excellence, as this improves quality of life, not constraining it. Inner city we must see provision for recreation space for dwellers - a non negotiable. Parks, pools, libraries, must be incorporated.
Natural environment
Our environment is a taonga for all, protecting and enhancing shared space is imperative. I'll work with others to protect and clean up harbours, streams and beaches and support the eradication of invasive species like caulerpa and gold clam. Help Hauraki Gulf forum to ban destructive fishing practices and aim for 30% of the Gulf protected. Also promote gardens and urban farms, encourage green-roofing and solar + batteries, more trees for climate resilience and work to ban glyphosate usage.
Community
Work for better quality of life, incentivising well designed housing in the right places, round stations and in the centre city. Continue the remediation of walkways and connect existing cycleways. We must fund events, tourism, and arts projects to vitalise the city, and increase visitors. I support the inclusion of a bed tax and I want a strategic non-partisan plan agreed for upgrading and maintaining Auckland existing stadiums and venues. Approach govt to subsidise home solar + battery use .
Economic and cultural development
Akl's optimism will reemerge with enlivening energy on completion of CRL and the remediation of complex infrastructure interruptions. Support those wanting to live central city & intensification corridors. Educate the public to the $costs of fossil fuel usage, approximately NZ$9b sent offshore to buy fuel, whereas electricity produced here is money spent here. Support and incentivise a hydrogen economy. Support arts properly - TV film theatre music gaming are prime developers of local economy.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Māori and Ngāti Whātua are an essential component of economic and cultural wellbeing. Māori health, housing and development are prime issues within Tāmaki Makaurau. As one of our major city stakeholders, they contribute significantly with finance and economic activity. Auckland Future Fund is good use of AIAL$ for fiscal return, lets grow it. Flood and storm recovery systems need very smart non-destructive planning round existing beneficial infrastructure as climate events increase in severity
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.