Candidate for Papatoetoe Subdivision Peter DONS

Transport

More roundabouts and speed bumps on busy streets. Fix the damaging potholes and more safety measures around schools if required. The CBD Central Rail Link, when it is opened later this year, will be a game changer for allowing people to cross Auckland from the south, east and west without having to change trains. Hopefully, we will see more traffic through out four railway stations being Manukau, Puhinui, Papatoetoe and Middlemore. I use AT trains and buses regularly and enjoy the experience. 

Water

Watercare supplies our community with safe drinking water and treats our wastewater. It is a large organisation servicing all 1.7 million residents in Auckland. Mindful of the recent issues concerning water in Wellington, local boards and Auckland Council need to be diligent in requesting KPIs for its management team through their governing board. Any issues in Papatoetoe, as anywhere else in Auckland, need to be followed up for resolution by the relevant bodies.

Built environment

Plan Change 120, now being discussed, which provides for 1.6 million more housing units in Auckland, is a work in progress and once finalised will determine housing intensification in Papatoetoe for decades to come. My major concern is providing for sufficient parking for residents in areas of intensification. It is evident in existing completed developments that there are parking issues with residents parking on berms and footpaths etc. This is not acceptable. 

Natural environment

Climate change is with us now as demonstrated by weather events around New Zealand in recent years. Auckland has a wealth of natural spaces which need to be preserved, and in some cases restored, encouraging native wildlife to return. Biodiversity hazards need to be monitored and eliminated. Infrastructure needs to be replaced (e.g 100 year old stormwater pipes) to provide greater resilience to rain events and flooding. There is much to do to future proof our city.

Community

We must promote social cohesion in Papatoetoe, mindful that we have one of the most ethnically diverse urban populations in New Zealand. We don't see it as a challenge but as something to celebrate. Keep libraries open and swimming pools free so that our people can mix, study and play. 

Support annual events such as the Papatoetoe Santa Parade, Chinese New Year, Diwali and Matariki. Support sports grounds and facilities and the Historical Society amongst others. 

Economic and cultural development

The best way to support local businesses is to strive for a clean, safe and prosperous town. Assist businesses to carry out makeovers of the streetscape, improved rubbish collection and street cleaning, community safety through more CCTV cameras, and find homes for the homeless in conjunction with social services and volunteer groups. More grants to heritage groups, often overlooked, would be appropriate. Our forebears built our country and their work should not be forgotten. 

Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

At all times, the lines of communication need to be open to discuss the needs of Maori and how to deliver appropriate outcomes within the power and remit of the local board. The other topics I would research as and when it was part of my role as a board member. I have no policy on these matters currently but I am well aware of their importance to the future of Auckland.