At last week’s Local Government NZ conference a resolution promoted by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport that sought the power to fine people who park on grass roadside berms that don’t have ‘no parking’ signs, was roundly...... Read More

This will be my final column before the election, and so I take a moment to reflect on the last, nearly, six years. In my second term, I have had the privilege of chairing the Rodney Local Board, a massive responsibility but one that has come with some...... Read More

Last October I wrote to the Minister of Local Government asking for a review of the Super City. I thought this a reasonable request given that it’s nearly 10 years since it was set up without public consultation. The reply came back that they had...... Read More

For every person who takes their own life, a whole community is shattered. For too long, we’ve tackled mental health or addiction only when it becomes a crisis. As a society, we’ve left too many of our people on their own, coping...... Read More

Equitable funding of services across the Auckland region is one of our local board priorities. Facilities like the Estuary Arts Centre, Centrestage Theatre and the Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre should have the same access and certainty around operational...... Read More

Since my last update to Mahurangi Matters readers, we’ve made good progress on planning for Auckland’s growth, improving public transport and protecting our environment. The Warkworth Structure Plan, approved by Auckland Council’s Planning...... Read More

Local knowledge matters. It can make all the difference. Add doing your homework, then standing up to take an issue on – even against the odds – and it is possible to have a successful outcome for the community. Presently I am questioning...... Read More

Every day, six Kiwis are diagnosed with blood cancer. Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancers like leukaemia. This year, I was asked to be part of...... Read More

For many people winter can be a troubling time, struggling to afford the additional costs of heating, to ensure a healthy, warm home. As a Government, we don’t believe anybody should face that worry. All New Zealanders should have access to warm,...... Read More

Last month, I voted against Auckland Council bailing out the City Rail Link (CRL) to the tune of $1 billion. My reasoning was simple. Central government, not Auckland ratepayers, should be paying for this project – as the Government does for every...... Read More