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The new Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chair, Gary Brown, takes up the role with no political experience, but says logic and commonsense are what is required.
Gary received the second highest number of votes for the Hibiscus subdivision of the local board – 6827 – and says he and two other members from the Coast People & Penlink First team were elected because there is a desire for change.
“We campaigned on change and were elected because people are frustrated,” he says.
“Once I got in I thought I’d better bite the bullet and stand for chair to make change more possible.”
Originally Gary was contemplating standing for Mayor of Auckland, but says he decided it was better to first “get a handle on local matters, how the system works and what constituents want”.
He says he’s always had an interest in politics, describing himself as “slightly right leaning” but, until now, kept that quiet.
“As an entertainer, you can’t show an interest in politics, as it could affect your business,” he says.
Gary has lived in the area for almost 50 years and is well known locally – particularly through high profile roles as an entertainer and Austin Powers impersonator, supporter of charities and businessman.
Two of his businesses – Party Time and Elvis Has Left the Building (formerly Boulevard of Dreams) ended in voluntary liquidation. His entertainment business, Stage 51, has been operating since 2005.
“Hopefully people will see that I understand the reality of highs and lows of business,” he says.
The local board chair is paid $89,378 as it is expected to be a full time position, involving representing the board at regional and local level. Gary says because of this, he expects to cut back on the amount of performing he does but will continue when he can, in weekends.
“I still need to have that outlet, and I hope to continue refereeing at North Harbour rugby too,” he says.
The chair is also responsible for leading and maintaining conduct at local board meetings. Gary admits this will be a big undertaking. He has previously chaired meetings for sports and charity groups and says he is learning a lot as staff induct new members into local board procedures.
It is clear that he plans to hit the ground running at the local board’s first public meeting this week.
“We want to be approachable and transparent with open forums, and workshops that are open to media and the public, apart from confidential items. We will also put a lot more on the board’s Facebook page.”
As someone who made a number of presentations to the local board over the years on various issues, including the plan to move his star plaques on Orewa Boulevard, Gary says he knows first-hand that speeding up processes is key.
“It’s important to sort out constituents’ issues quickly – things like maintenance, parks and playground issues, damaged footpaths,” he says.
Among his other priorities are helping local clubs, such as the HBC Youth Centre, Orewa Sea Scouts and Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club, with their projects and bringing more tourists to the area.
He knows that he has to prove himself. “It’s about me, [deputy chair] Victoria Short and the team doing the job we were employed for. When we start getting things done and people are being listened to, they will understand we are taking it seriously.”
Deputy campaigned for culture change
At 28 years of age, Victoria Short is the youngest member elected to the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board; she is also its new deputy chair.
She was elected after standing as an independent in the Bays subdivison. Previously she worked in the electorate office of East Coast Bays MP Erica Stanford.
She says much of this work involved advocating for constituents and that was what prompted her to stand for the local board.
She says her views fit nicely with those of the Hibiscus members from Coast People & Penlink First.
“I ran on a platform of change,” she says. “I want youth to take part and to educate people about the local board mandate. During the campaign I found there were a lot of people unhappy with the culture of the board and disappointed with how things are handled and the amount of time things take. We are community advocates and want them to be part of the process so people are not left out.”
