Rodney Ward - Christine Rose

Christine Rose was 25 when she first entered local government politics as a councillor on Rodney District Council. She was working as a gardener and part-time barmaid at the Huapai pub, and studying politics and philosophy. Branded as ‘a bit of a radical’ by her Council colleagues, who were mostly retired farmers, she returned to serve two further terms and in the process completed her degree with first class honours. For the past six years, she has been Rodney’s representative on the Auckland Regional Council where she chairs the transport and urban development committee, and the regional land transport committee.

It is impossible to miss the passion Christine Rose feels for Rodney.

“It’s my home – it’s in my blood; it’s where I’ve lived for all but 10 years of my life,” she says. “My grandparents Jean and Frank Ford were back-block farmers from Wellsford where they raised 10 children. My grandmother was also a teacher there. I adore our landscapes, our heritage and our strong sense of community. I don’t think you ever lose the values you learn growing up in the country.”

Now resident in Huapai, Christine is standing on a platform of environmental stewardship, transport reform and protection of public owned assets.

Although she acknowledges that change was needed in Auckland governance, she feels the process has been rushed and the new Council will face some formidable issues in its first term, fixing up the problems that this undue haste has caused.

“The benefits of one city will be a consistent approach to things such as bylaws, rates and the provision of community facilities. But I think the transition process has undermined the institutional knowledge and diminished the public service sector within local government. I also think the council controlled organisations (CCOs) model being promoted is problematic as it lacks the sort of accountability that the pubic is used to.”

Christine says her experience on the ARC, where she has seen diverse personalities with strong opinions work constructively for the good of the region as a whole, makes her optimistic that the new Council will be capable of working together cooperatively.

“There has been a drawbridge mentality in Rodney, almost a denial that we had a relationship with Auckland. I’m not buying into the idea that there is a conspiracy to short-change Rodney. We’re regionally significant because of our size, our contribution to the regional economy and socially, and with strong advocacy through a committed Ward Councillor, I can’t see us being ignored.”

Christine says if elected, she will work for fair rates for fair services.

“Rodney faces some real infrastructure challenges and getting the amenities right for residents should be a priority. How we deal with basic issues such as potholes, open drains and rubbish in the streets gives a perception of how we treat our own residents. Good infrastructure is also a prerequisite for economic growth, particularly tourism.”

With 15 years of local government experience behind her, Christine says friendly and constructive engagement with local communities has been a hallmark of her representation.

She says she will continue to offer the community strong environmental advocacy, citing an ongoing commitment to the Mahurangi Action Plan, Whangateau Harbour and Hoteo/Kaipara Harbour plans, and the protection of Te Arai.

The provision of equitable transport options is another issue close to her heart. She says the Matakana/Omaha walkway is an outstanding project, which will build economic resilience into the local economy.

“Just because I promote the idea of providing alternatives to car travel doesn’t mean I’m anti-car. It just means that we also need transport choices which include pedestrian, public transport, and safe walkways and cycleways.”

Christine sees the establishment of a Rodney Local Board has a positive step, believing that Rodney’s lack of community boards has not been in its best interests.

“Rodney is truly fortunate to be so well-endowed with articulate, effective and well-mobilised communities.”

She says the benefits and contribution that large rural landholdings make to Rodney’s environmental integrity are under-recognised and under-appreciated. The ARC’s introduction of a rates relief scheme for farmers was a step in the right direction.

“Farmers and community groups are making a huge difference through landcare and pest management initiatives at places such as Tapora and Mahurangi.”

Christine says Rodney has some real reverse sensitivity issues with newcomers settling areas which have traditionally been farming heartland. The rating burden that farmers are carrying as a result of these changes needs addressing.

“What’s really heartening to see is the way landcare is bringing a lot of these diverse people together to work cooperatively on some really important environmental fronts.”

Christine says she will remain a strong advocate for catchment management and policies that address marine pollution.

“New Zealanders love our marine environment and I think we all find it distressing to see rubbish, especially plastics, washing up on our beaches.”