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Voters are spoilt for choice this election, with 23 candidates for Mayor, nine standing for two positions as Albany Ward Councillors and 15 putting their names forward for four spaces on the Hibiscus subdivision of our local board.
There have been three election meetings locally so far, so that the public can quiz Council and local board candidates in person. Some key issues have emerged – these formed the basis for the questions asked in the election feature on the following pages.
Along with those issues, the proposal put forward by the Hauraki Gulf Forum for co-governance (50 percent mana whenua membership) came up at one recent meeting in questions from the floor.
Whether or not this happens is a question for central government, which is yet to make its decision, but the prospect has divided opinions.
With this in mind, Hibiscus Matters asked Albany Ward and Hibiscus & Bays (Hibiscus subdivision) Local Board candidates last week whether or not they support co-governance as proposed for the Hauraki Gulf.
Those against the move say it is undemocratic, while those in favour talk about the need for an equal partnership.
Fifteen responded or stated their views at the public meeting. Seven of those were opposed – they are John Watson, Wayne Walker, Donna Patterson, Leanne Willis, Andy Dunn, Sam Mills and Gary Brown.
Jake Law says he would need to see a detailed proposal for what co-governing the gulf would look like, and until he does, he can’t support it. However he thinks “that partnership with tangata whenua to bring more environmental protections to the gulf will be beneficial and should be sought after”.
John Davies says he is supportive in principle, without knowing the details, as his policy is to take each of such issues on a case-by-case basis. Lia Shelford-Toopi and Ed Amon are supportive of the co-governance model, along with Sylvia Yang, Kereama Nathan and Trish Nathan.
Wayne McCormick is calling for a mandatory referendum to see what the public want.
Voting packs are being delivered now and Hibiscus Matters hopes that all the information we have put together in our newspaper helps with informed decision-making.
Who can we vote for? Since 2010, when Auckland Council formed, Hibiscus Coast residents have voted for the Mayor, two Albany Ward councillors (who represent this area on the governing body of Council) and four members of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board (Hibiscus subdivision). The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board covers from Waiwera to Campbells Bay, including Whangaparāoa Peninsula. The other four members on it represent the East Coast Bays subdivision. Dairy Flat residents vote for one representative on the Rodney Local Board – incumbent Louise Johnston is standing unopposed for that position.
How to vote: Voting packs were mailed out, starting last week, to all enrolled voters. Your completed vote can be posted – this must be done by Monday, October 3. It can also be placed in voting boxes at locations around the Coast, including libraries, and Countdown supermarkets. To find your nearest location, visit www.voteauckland.co.nz
