Mayoral hopeful kicks off campaign in Wellsford

Auckland mayoral hopeful Hugh Chapman launched his campaign last week – in Wellsford.

Mr Chapman and wife Mary spent three hours in town talking to locals and then held a meeting at the community centre.

Short notice – he had only lodged his nomination papers the day before – and poor promotion meant that only three ratepayers attended. However, this didn’t dampen Mr Chapman’s enthusiasm. Describing himself as “something of an oddball, an outsider” Mr Chapman says he is a serious contender for the mayoralty.

Sorting out Auckland’s traffic woes will be top priority if elected. He’s designed an aerial transport system to circle the city, which would connect points from Albany to Papakura, and provide a more economic alternative to a light rail system.

He says fixing congestion could save $2 billion a year, which could be spent on other projects.

Mr Chapman says he chose Wellsford for his launch because it was “the most outlying town” in the new supercity and also because residents hadn’t wanted to be included.

“I can tell there’s now resignation, with many still not feeling positive about being in Auckland; we’re here to change that,” he said.

Wellsford should think about making itself an attractive destination for both overseas visitors and Aucklanders with “money in their pockets”.

“Perhaps you could build on the town’s history, the 150 years of European settlement and the district’s Maori heritage. Tourists love that sort of thing, and this could create jobs.”

Ruth Rambaud said she thought it more likely Wellsford would become a “ghost town”, which could also generate tourist interest. “I think locals are actually more interested in getting their potholes fixed than in Auckland’s traffic – we try to avoid going there if possible and will never think of ourselves as Aucklanders,” she said.

Mr Chapman, who is an architect, said local boards would have an important role in bringing the concerns of the community to the new council.

“Wellsford can have a part in influencing Auckland’s future.”

Published August 2010