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All Albany Ward and Hibiscus & Bays (Hibiscus subdivision) candidates were invited to submit a short profile and answer four questions. There was no response from Callum Blair, Sylvia Yang, Nicholas Mitchell and Sion Stavrovski by deadline. Contact details were not available for Tony Corbett or Nancy Stride. • All candidates were asked if they were affiliated with, or a supporter of, any political party, organisation or advocacy group and if so, which ones. All claimed they had no such affiliations, apart from the group they are standing with for these elections. However, voters are urged to do as much of their own research as they can before voting, including asking candidates direct questions. • Candidates are presented in random order (names were pulled from a hat), grouped with Council candidates first, then Local Board. Info: www.voteauckland.co.nz
Leanne Willis – Local board
I have been living on the coast for 32 years, raising my children with husband Ken – whose family moved to the coast in 1948. I helped organised the Whangaparāoa Community Christmas day lunch in 2014, and have been involved in many community based projects over the years.
Q: What is a key issue that the local board can effectively tackle, and what would you do about it?
A: A key issue for many locals is roading, traffic flow (or lack of, in some instances) and road safety. We have seen improvements to roading over the last three years however we do need to address (and have done so) the lack of communication between Auckland Transport (AT) and local businesses affected by roadworks. It’s important to ensure feedback and communication between AT and business owners takes place prior, to avoid major disruption to businesses.
Q: How should the climate change rate be allocated locally to best mitigate the effects on the Hibiscus Coast?
A: Best use of the funds is to assist groups (eg. environmental groups) to help continue their work in this area. Given the climate change issues it’s also important to be that “squeaky wheel” and ensure the Ōrewa seawall is built and within the time allocated.
Q: How can the local board’s performance, transparency and engagement with the public be improved?
A: Coast People members were instrumental in opening up workshops to the public. We hope to see this continue, as we are all about transparency. Regarding public engagement, Coast People set up library chats (prior to Covid) with the public, and would be keen to continue this if re-elected. Also the public forums worked well and we hope these will also continue.
Q: What will you deliver for ratepayers over the next three years?
A: In the last three years that Coast People have served on the local board, we have completed 100 percent of our projects – which is unprecedented, and aim to (if re-elected) do the same this time round also. Also, as we have done in the last three years, we will continue to keep the communication channels with our community open, with library chats and community forums, and continue to advocate for the community wherever needed.
Kereama Nathan – Local board
My wife and I have lived on the Coast for approximately 40 years. We have raised four children here and are proud grandparents to four mokopuna. I stand independently as part of Team Coast, alongside my wife, to promote stronger and safer communities for change.
Q: What is a key issue that the local board can effectively tackle, and what would you do about it?
A: Stronger and safer communities – we can better plan, implement and execute strategies, that will make our communities stronger and safer. I would encourage a more inclusive and active approach by community members to work collaboratively with the Local Board to ensure these goals are met and championed. It takes a community to achieve community goals!
Q: How should the climate change rate be allocated locally to best mitigate the effects on the Hibiscus Coast?
A: Firstly it is important to understand that climate change is a global problem and its effects are often indiscriminate, unplanned and economically devastating to any affected regions. In a short term strategy, this fund can contribute to research and planning in terms of civil emergency solutions for our local area in the case of a civil emergency caused by climate change.
Q: How can the local board’s performance, transparency and engagement with the public be improved?
A: Individual members could hold informal public forum meetings bi-weekly. If I am successful, I will be accessible to the public throughout my term of service.
Q: What will you deliver for ratepayers over the next three years?
A: I will ensure that the Local Board actively participates in a more collaborative and inclusive approach to developing and implementing safer and stronger communities.
Gary Brown – Local board
I was chair of the local board last term. I have been involved with Silverdale Rugby Club since 1970 and am still an active referee (28 years) and president of the North Harbour Referee Association. I am on the No. 5 Squadron Air Cadets committee and a former NZ surf lifesaving champion.
Q: What is a key issue that the local board can effectively tackle, and what would you do about it?
A: The local board needs to advocate strongly for a bus terminal at the Whangaparāoa Road end of Penlink to decrease congestion at Silverdale and quicken transportation.
Q: How should the climate change rate be allocated locally to best mitigate the effects on the Hibiscus Coast?
A: We need to see some improvement to our areas when targeted climate change rates become effective. What we need to ask, is how is Auckland Council going to set KPIs or even quantify where our rate payments are going to be utilised – is it with electric buses and ferries?
Q: How can the local board’s performance, transparency and engagement with the public be improved?
A: We introduced open workshops last term and I intend to continue with that transparency. I would like to have a lot more consultation about projects that affect our everyday lives.
Q: What will you deliver for ratepayers over the next three years?
A: I’m proud to say that the local board achieved 100 percent of Community Facilities projects. Once local boards get control of services then improve better maintenance contracts to ensure that areas as well kept, cleaner, to a higher standard especially with services such as waste management.
Gary Brown is also standing for Auckland Mayor.
Lia Shelford-Toopi – Local board
I am a proud Coastie and live with my husband and two daughters in Red Beach. I am offering local residents a fresh, highly enthusiastic, community-driven candidate to vote for. I will represent and advocate for everyone equally. I currently manage our family business Washworks in Silverdale.
Q: What is a key issue that the local board can effectively tackle, and what would you do about it?
A: Making our communities safer by putting support and funds behind initiatives like Community Patrol and Neighbourhood Support. Crime has risen and the Coast is not as idyllic as it once was. I want to contribute to positive outcomes for our future generations.
Q: How should the climate change rate be allocated locally to best mitigate the effects on the Hibiscus Coast?
A: Targeted for the restoration of our natural environment through wetland planting, community gardens and bush extensions. We need improvements to be made to public transport to ensure rapid and reliable services better connecting local business hubs and living zones; in turn helping congestion issues and reducing emissions.
Q: How can the local board’s performance, transparency and engagement with the public be improved?
A: It should be obvious who our local board members are. They should be engaging with all members of our community in person, and accessible to everyone in regards to contact details being easily available. Consultation opportunities should be better advertised. A collaborative and functioning local board should deliver on the aspirations of all and have no bias or prejudice.
Q: What will you deliver for ratepayers over the next three years?
A: I will be a conduit between ratepayers and Council, so will listen to what people want and act on their behalf – I’m not going into this with my own set agenda. It will be an honour and a privilege to be elected for a role that I will take seriously. I am highly committed to working hard and doing the very best that I can for our entire community.
Wayne McCormick – Local board
I am a local Ōrewa resident, semi-retired, married 38 years with two adult children. Over 30 years in corporate travel in London, Australia and NZ. Still playing football. I would like to have a say in what happens in our area. Always up for a new challenge and would like to put some of my ideas forward.
Q: What is a key issue that the local board can effectively tackle, and what would you do about it?
A: Brainstorm and implement Ōrewa south beach seawall issues. Look to revamp children’s play areas on the Hibiscus Coast. Look to increase car parking at the Silverdale Bus Transfer Station by going up – one or two additional floors of parking.
Q: How should the climate change rate be allocated locally to best mitigate the effects on the Hibiscus Coast?
A: Council’s targeted rate adds about 2.2 percent to rates. Make sure we get the appropriate finances to continue tree planting on the Hibiscus Coast. Review and formulate new walkways and cycleways to offset driving emissions.
Q: How can the local board’s performance, transparency and engagement with the public be improved?
A: The outgoing Local Board has publicised that they do chat sessions at local libraries and opened workshops to the public. In addition, suggest six-monthly informal discussions/meetings at local Bowls Clubs and RSAs, looking for new project ideas and discussing ongoing projects in the area. Look for ways to entice younger generation to participate. .
Q: What will you deliver for ratepayers over the next three years?
A: Aim to process at least two or three projects over three years. Set up new Strategic Plan for the next three years. More public awareness and try to entice the younger generation to implement new ideas.
Sam Mills – Local board
Samuel Mills, 34 years young, married to my wonderful wife Lucy and am blessed to have our beautiful son Ray who is one and a half years old. Previously in private practice currently a prosecutor with the Department of Corrections, law degree with honours. Standing for our community, the coast!
Q: What is a key issue that the local board can effectively tackle, and what would you do about it?
A: I am a strong believer in local government and as such Local Boards to me are to work in conjunction with our coast community to promote economic recovery on the coast, improve our transport infrastructure, support and advocate for those community groups that are integral to the health and happiness of our coasties, and of course to look after and develop our facilities, open spaces and environment for all those that live on the coast.
Q: How should the climate change rate be allocated locally to best mitigate the effects on the Hibiscus Coast?
A: I would like to see the climate change rate applied in a fiscally responsible manner to our coastal areas.
Q: How can the local board’s performance, transparency and engagement with the public be improved?
A: Coast People are about democratic transparency – we opened the Local Board workshops last term as was our pledge. We hope to continue our weekly library catch up sessions so that you can have your voice heard.
Q: What will you deliver for ratepayers over the next three years?
A: On the Coast People team my specific interest is in the youth and how I can increase youth engagement with our Local Board with a keen eye to those facilities that our youth cherish. Coast People and our Local Board already fully funded our Youth Centre last term – it is my hope to continue this fantastic work as I believe that our community is only as strong and healthy as our young people. I am also a strong advocate of community safety and, if elected, I hope to further the existing work of the board to increase the use of CCTV cameras in public spaces to deter crime for the benefit of our community, in partnership with local Police.
Andy Dunn – Local board
My background is as a graphic designer, artist and actor. I’ve always been heavily involved in community work which currently includes Rotary, Community Patrols, Youth mentoring. When asked to join the Coast People Team, I saw it as an excellent opportunity to expand on my ability to assist our community.
Q: What is a key issue that the local board can effectively tackle, and what would you do about it?
A: I have spent the last three years working with Auckland Transport to assist with community concerns regarding road safety. Example is the Moana Ave, Hibiscus Coast Highway intersection which I have arranged for them to present to the Board options to improve traffic flow while protecting pedestrians.
Q: How should the climate change rate be allocated locally to best mitigate the effects on the Hibiscus Coast?
A: Some of the best uses of this money for our local community could be in assisting the numerous environmental groups to continue their work in dealing with the effects on fauna and wildlife. We could assist our Surf Lifesaving building project that has suffered considerable expense due to modifying construction plans because of revised regulations. Also, the importance of ensuring no further delays to the construction of the Ōrewa Seawall for any budgetry reasons.
Q: How can the local board’s performance, transparency and engagement with the public be improved?
A: During our first term in office, we opened the majority of our meetings to the public so all could be aware and understand decisions being made. We made ourselves available for library chat sessions which unfortunately suffered at the hands of Covid. As soon as possible we will reinstigate those. The Coast People Team already accept any and all invites to meet with individuals and groups.
Q: What will you deliver for ratepayers over the next three years?
A: Our first term in office achieved an unheard-of 100 percent completion rate of intended projects. This was achieved both because of the personal abilities of our team members, but also the structure which we created regarding how we work. Given public support, I expect that success to continue if re-elected.
Ed Amon – Local board
I moved to Aotearoa in 2010, moving to Whangaparāoa in 2021. I believe being part of the local board is a good way to learn, contribute, and make a positive impact. I have recently completed a Master of Indigenous Studies. I am also a business professional, writer and performer.
Q: What is a key issue that the local board can effectively tackle, and what would you do about it?
A: One of my top three priorities is to ensure the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi are a part of everyday working of the local board. Additionally, I will endeavour to develop community education initiatives with Mana Whenua to raise the cultural competency of the local board and our community.
Q: How should the climate change rate be allocated locally to best mitigate the effects on the Hibiscus Coast?
A: Another one of my top three priorities is to commit to the implementation of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri (Auckland’s Climate Plan). We need to urgently localise the eight priority areas of the plan with our own key performance indicators. These should be developed under the umbrella of Te Ora ō Tāmaki Makaurau Wellbeing Framework with true partnership with Mana Whenua. The Whangaparāoa Pilot of the Shoreline Adaptation Plan is a great example of a localised plan to protect our environment.
Q: How can the local board’s performance, transparency and engagement with the public be improved?
A: One of the main reasons for disengagement of the public with the local government, is the inaccessible formats that the local bodies hard work is presented in. This makes the performance seem less transparent. If we create a local board platform and present the board’s work using tools such as easy-to-understand infographics, it will have a positive impact on engagement with the residents, especially rangatahi.
Q: What will you deliver for ratepayers over the next three years?
A: I want to learn, work hard, contribute to the community, and provide a diverse way of thinking to the local board. Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Auckland’s Climate Plan, and timely completion of Penlink are my priorities and I will do my best to deliver on those.
Donna Patterson – Local board
I am a mother, grandmother and business owner. I’ve been a Coastie for eight years but have had an association with the area since first holidaying in the 1960s. Standing for our Local Board is founded on my commitment to being part of an accountable team that drives real change.
Q: What is a key issue that the local board can effectively tackle, and what would you do about it?
A: A key issue for both Councillors and Local Boards throughout Auckland is expenditure within the community. We are the ratepayers and rates go towards our immediate community.
Q: How should the climate change rate be allocated locally to best mitigate the effects on the Hibiscus Coast?
A: CATR is a fact and who manages this for Hibiscus and Bays is a question that needs to be asked. It’s about what is in place, that can be improved on and expanded, then actioned with tangible results. We have an ageing fleet of vehicles – introducing emission testing at the time of WOF would be an easy and cost efficient way of getting many off the road while making us aware of our responsibilities to the planet and keeping our vehicles energy efficient and cleaner.
Q: How can the local board’s performance, transparency and engagement with the public be improved?
A: I intend to deliver a voice that won’t go away, a voice that will question how Council goes about its business. We need to change the culture within Council and those employed by Council so that both sides work together with focus on our community. I want to focus on council fees, contributions costs and how they are applied to the community from whence they came. It is a very murky, confusing area that I have had direct experience of, neither pleasant, logical or fair.
Q: What will you deliver for ratepayers over the next three years?
A: I want to stir up the current apathy that exists with the current regime. Challenge the status quo and ask questions of our Council CEO and CFO about the use of our money. Those currently in a position of control need to be accountable for the decisions made on our behalf.
Trish Nathan – Local board
I have lived on the Coast for over 40 years with my husband and four children. I have three grandchildren who attend Whangaparāoa Primary School and one at Best Start Whangaparāoa. I stand independently as part of Team Coast, alongside my husband, to promote whānau for change.
Q: What is a key issue that the local board can effectively tackle, and what would you do about it?
A: Lack of green space – we can better plan, implement and execute strategies, that include the impacts of climate change to better protect this environment and its existent green spaces for future generations to enjoy. Educational environmental safe practices for Local Board to upskill, from people who are experts in that field.
Q: How should the climate change rate be allocated locally to best mitigate the effects on the Hibiscus Coast?
A: This fund can be dedicated to the use of more environmentally conducive construction and infrastructure products and by implementing natural planting and land regeneration strategies.
Q: How can the local board’s performance, transparency and engagement with the public be improved?
A: Individual members could hold informal public forum meetings bi-weekly. If I am successful, I will be accessible to the public throughout my term of service.
Q: What will you deliver for ratepayers over the next three years?
A: I will be committed in the role to serve this community to the best of my ability. I will ensure that the Local Board and the greater community is better educated and more pro-active in terms of the preservation, restoration and sustainability of our natural coastal environment.
