Warkworth Subdivision - Larry Mitchell

I am standing to ensure that the communities of the Rodney Ward, in particular the Warkworth sub-division get a fair hearing of their hopes, needs and aspirations, and that they receive a fair deal within the supercity. If elected my priorities will be to get the board up and running properly to achieve those aims and to establish excellent communications and working relationships with the Mayor and Councillors of the Auckland City.

Specifically for Warkworth, my aim is to ensure that an excellent level of local and community Council services is maintained at rates and charges that befit the affordability and income circumstances of ratepayers.

I have three particular issues that I want to see addressed:
• to push for access for the affected communities to and from the proposed new motorway (Puhoi to Warkworth)
• to keep rates and charges at an affordable level, and
• to represent the special interests of local young families and the elderly.

I feel positive about the role Local Boards will play in the new Auckland structure but am aware that this is a grand and somewhat daunting experiment, one which will take goodwill and intelligence to be made to work effectively. Having been handed our cards we must ensure that with energy and imagination the new system of governance and accountability is made to work for the benefit of the residents and ratepayers of the Warkworth community board area.

I relish the forthcoming challenge. I believe that all of my skills and experience, gained over 20 years acting in a professional capacity within local government, will be needed to make these new structures work.