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Warkworth subdivision
Anne Perratt
I am mum to two achieving young adults. I studied accounting and marketing at New Zealand and Australian universities. Working in a variety of public and private sector organisations and helping develop a family information technology business has given me a thorough understanding of public and private sector work. I am a keen sailor, kayaker, gardener and novice orchardist. I enjoy supporting start-up ventures and entrepreneurs especially those based on the harvest of the land and sea – our region’s main source of prosperity. First arriving in Rodney 57 years ago as a young child, I have experienced Rodney’s changing fortune. I have paid rates here since 2011 and been a permanent resident since 2020.
Are you a member of or affiliated to any political party, organisation or advocacy group? If so, which one(s)?
Being unaffiliated and independent qualifies me to act as your Watchdog for Rodney. I receive emails from various lobby groups and central government in order to keep abreast of topical issues especially those affecting taxpayers, ratepayers, and in regard to business interests, environment issues and youth sport.
What skills will you bring to the Rodney Local Board?
I bring unique strengths to the Rodney Local Board developed over years of being involved in community education, parenting, sport and working. I am most attracted to ventures which add measurably to the prosperity and success of individuals, families, their business and their community. I am a cheerful optimist and a natural diplomat. I believe the impossible is possible and can build teams and make well-scoped goals come to life. I am a competent researcher and will work with you to ask questions and get answers as your Watchdog for Rodney.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Rodney at the moment that the Local Board, with its limited powers, can effectively tackle?
The local board, based on my reading of “The 10-year Budget 2021-2031, Long-term Plan Our Recovery Budget, Vol. 3. Local Board Information and Agreements”, can best tackle its role by first answering: Who are we here to serve? Are we serving a political manifesto written by Council management, with its outcomes and overreach into central government roles? Or are we here to serve Rodney ratepayers and residents’ needs? What is the vision of Rodney ratepayers and residents? And what are their values? And are we as the Rodney Local Board supporting our people? As a Watchdog for Rodney I will listen, read, research, ask questions and, most importantly, get answers for Rodney.
Greg Wyatt
I am a retired lawyer, aged 62, and have resided in Auckland throughout. Since 2004 I have lived in the Rodney area, initially at Wainui and now in Waiwera.
Are you a member of or affiliated to any political party, organisation or advocacy group? If so, which one(s)?
No, but I got an email last week asking for my position on co-governance: Three Waters reveals that “co” means 50% – for less than 20% of the population. So I’m opposed.
What skills will you bring to the Rodney Local Board?
I’m good at ploughing through large amounts of information in search of what’s important.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Rodney at the moment that the Local Board, with its limited powers, can effectively tackle?
There is an initial question about local boards, which is whether we need them. Annual payments to members of Auckland’s local boards total $7.8 million. The $2.7 million paid to the mayor and councillors is more than enough to spend on politicians. The time might have arrived to end local boards.
Ivan Wagstaff
My principal place of residence is in the Rodney Local Board Warkworth subdivision area. This is perhaps the best indicator that a candidate has a real and meaningful connection to our community and many of you. I’m involved in and live with our local challenges and opportunities. With 20 years of governance experience and business ownership, I am now primarily a father of three. We live here because we love being part of a smaller supportive community and all the opportunities we have to enjoy the beaches, sea and outdoors. I’m passionate about working with you to make our area a great place to live and work. We can do this together by ensuring community facilities and services meet the needs of everyone and keep up with the huge population growth coming our way.
Are you a member of or affiliated to any political party, organisation or advocacy group? If so, which one(s)?
I am currently deputy chair of the Matakana Community Group, and I am running with my Rodney First team for local board.
What skills will you bring to the Rodney Local Board?
With a reputation for taking a pragmatic approach, I look forward to enabling you to just get on with things that make sense. I have a proven history of bringing the right people together as a team, engaging and cutting through the red tape to get things done. I am actively involved in making things better for our communities through volunteering, coaching, supporting our schools and clubs, and advocating for improved roading and safety. Having enjoyed a successful career in some of New Zealand’s largest organisations and also our own businesses, I am looking forward to applying this experience to work for you.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Rodney at the moment that the Local Board, with its limited powers, can effectively tackle?
Our rapidly growing population is the biggest challenge facing us. With continued growth, we need better community facilities that are accessible to everyone. Parks, sports facilities and public areas allow communities and especially our children to connect and feel included. That means everything from improved play equipment in parks for all ages and abilities, to upgraded community halls, libraries, parking and sports facilities. Local boards have a role in all these things that you need and love as a community. I can see how I can make a positive difference for all of us and that’s why I am running.
Kathie Hills
I’ve been a Rodney resident and ratepayer for 40 years; MBA degree Auckland University; member of tI’ve been a Rodney resident and ratepayer for 40 years; MBA degree Auckland University; member of the NZ Institute of Directors (IOD); chairperson for a mental health trust contracted to NZ Health for residential and community care. Recently, I’ve updated my skills in best governance practice by completing IOD courses in Audit & Risk Management, Company Directorship, Chairing the Board, Finance & Strategic Planning and Governance Risk Management. Former Rodney Councillor serving six years, Rodney District Council; former member of the Hillary Commission for Sport, Fitness & Leisure; former Council representative at Auckland War Memorial Museum. I’m living in Warkworth with two teenage grandsons, one an apprentice builder and one at Mahurangi College with aspirations to attain a law degree. Having lived in both rural and urban Rodney, I understand both sectors of our community.
Are you a member of or affiliated to any political party, organisation or advocacy group? If so, which one(s)?
I’ve remained neutral politically, and have never affiliated to any political party, organisation or advocacy group. I was tempted to become a paid member of Greenpeace after the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland, but didn’t, as I always wanted to be independent. However, I protested peacefully against the Vietnam War, the South African rugby tours when Maori could not represent our country in sport, and for equal pay for women.
What skills will you bring to the Rodney Local Board?
My greatest attribute is my love for the Rodney district. I’m known by my colleagues as disciplined, a reliable team player and an astute negotiator, I cut through the red tape and politics of local government, achieving successful outcomes on behalf of my community. I have political and business knowledge, however, living in Rodney for 40 years, my community knowledge is unsurpassed.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Rodney at the moment that the Local Board, with its limited powers, can effectively tackle?
I believe that Rodney and Warkworth need strong representation now more than ever before and I know I am that person. Auckland Council must financially support our community’s needs and not just say there’s no money or stall by asking for yet another report. Warkworth needs clean drinking water that doesn’t ruin bathroom showers or taste like chemicals. We must safeguard our rural communities’ access to water. They need potable water for their households and sustainable water that is adequate for their land. Regardless of the Three Waters proposal, Rodney Local Board can advocate and be expected to successfully provide this fundamental need. Priority must be given for a multipurpose recreation and sports facility, a bike and skate park and a community swimming pool. Research shows that these all-weather facilities are essential to a communities’ mental and physical health, especially in these Covid times. I question why most of greater Auckland has access to Council swimming pools. Under 17-year-olds swim free, and seniors are subsidised, while Warkworth still waits for a pool. A comprehensive conservation strategy is needed; one that’s practical and not off on the latest tangent, one to support the fight on climate change and safeguard our beautiful Rodney environment. The changes to local government reported in the media are extremely restrictive. The next three years will be exceptionally challenging. We must ensure that we keep the ‘local’ in local government and not lose any further controls over how we want our community to be shaped.
Malcolm Black
I am a retired civil engineer living in Warkworth. I originated from Greenhithe, a place that grew from a small, isolated village into a unique settlement while still retaining its character. No stranger to local politics, I served four terms on the Albany Community Board, being chair in my last term. I am very familiar with Rodney infrastructure, having spent 30 years working in the area for Works Infrastructure, Rodney District Council and Auckland Council, and lastly as the development engineering team leader in Orewa.
Are you a member of or affiliated to any political party, organisation or advocacy group? If so, which one(s)?
None, standing as independent.
What skills will you bring to the Rodney Local Board?
With local government and civil engineering knowledge, I will be ideal to represent the Warkworth and wider Rodney community in tackling the issues of Warkworth expansion, congestion and rural roading, and communicating with Auckland Transport. My skillset will also be useful across water, sewage, waste, parks and public amenities.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Rodney at the moment that the Local Board, with its limited powers, can effectively tackle?
Some of the issues I see facing Rodney – the unsealed road network, inconsistent speed limits and narrow roads. The targeted transport rate should be used to address these issues in consultation with the local community.
Michelle Carmichael
I am a leading member of the community advocacy group Fight the Tip, Save the Dome. I have lived locally in Warkworth and Wellsford for approximately 28 years, living on a rural lifestyle block for most of that time. I am a keen amateur photographer, love drawing, walking, hiking and field archery. I was heavily involved in my son’s sporting activities, for many years, volunteering to assist with his soccer team and at his athletics training and events. I have taught at Tapora School for nine years, including eight years on the school board, so I am familiar with a governance role. I have also gained business skills as a branch manager for Neville Newcomb printing and in various administration and purchasing roles during 14 years at Times Colour Print in Warkworth.
Are you a member of or affiliated to any political party, organisation or advocacy group? If so, which one(s)?
I am running as an independent candidate. I am an executive member of Fight the Tip – Tiaki te Whenua Incorporated, and I belong to the NZEI primary teachers’ union.
What skills will you bring to the Rodney Local Board?
I have proven advocacy and collaboration skills, working with community and iwi to protect our area and wider environment against the Dome Valley landfill. Through that I have a sound knowledge of the resource consent system, supporting others to become involved in that process, and have been involved in taking this case to the Environment Court. I have excellent communication skills, which will ensure that you are listened to and kept well informed. I am also good at researching projects to look deeper than the corporate PR messages on the surface to get to the unglorified truth about any proposal. More important than any skill that can be learned, I am wholeheartedly community focused and I don’t give up. I am well equipped to be your advocate as I will work hard to try to get the best outcomes for you. You can be reassured that you are my priority, because it is my belief that locals are the heart and soul of community.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Rodney at the moment that the Local Board, with its limited powers, can effectively tackle?
I think the biggest issue we have is how distanced and disregarded we are from the wide range of decisions a central Auckland-focused council is making on our behalf. That impacts negatively on any of our important issues, whether roading, infrastructure or environment. Communities working together know best what they need and how to make it happen, because they know their community and environment. So I want to work as a team with community, all local board members and our councillor to advocate to empower all urban and rural communities to have a valued voice in local decisions. I want to push for transparent decision-making, to ensure efficient fair services based on your priorities to improve our communities. As an independent local board representative, I want to build trust that local government works for residents and the community.
Steven Garner
I first moved to Warkworth (Algies Bay) in 1974 with my parents and large family (I have five siblings) and attended Warkworth Primary and Mahurangi College. And I, and some of my siblings, have spent most of my life in the Warkworth/Mahurangi area, where we have enjoyed bringing up our families and enjoying the many attractions of the area. This is my community and I have been involved and invested. For recreation I love sports, rugby, tennis and squash, fishing basketball, scuba diving, cycling, walking and running, and a host of water sports. Yes I am active! I have been here a long time and so have lived and had interests in property in Algies Bay, Snells Beach, Matakana, Omaha and Warkworth. I have a real connection with these areas and an understanding of the most important issues faced by the communities who live there.
Are you a member of or affiliated to any political party, organisation or advocacy group? If so, which one(s)?
I am independent. I believe that local government should be independent of national politics and Local Boards should be made up of individuals who are prepared to work together to ensure the best outcomes possible are generated for this area. Rodney and the Warkworth ward are different to the majority of Auckland and it is vital that your representation be of the highest calibre.
What skills will you bring to the Rodney Local Board?
Experienced independent, tested and proven, rational, considered, big-picture thinking is required to ensure that we get the best out of Auckland Supercity for Rodney, while keeping cost and red tape to a minimum. (It really is time to streamline Auckland Council!) I bring proven experience, extensive local knowledge and have a genuine interest in ensuring that this area remains one that I, and my family and those I care for most, want and love to live in. I do love living here! My connections within the community are wide and varied with considerable time spent as school trustee, on committees of sports clubs and involved as a member of community groups and organisations; I love being part of these teams. Your vote for Steven Garner will ensure that my knowledge skills and passion will be focused on ensuring this area remains the most desirable place to live.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Rodney at the moment that the Local Board, with its limited powers, can effectively tackle?
Growth. In the south west of Rodney, and in Warkworth in particular, there is and will continue to be massive growth. Fortunately, Council has identified Warkworth as a satellite community and is trying to prepare Warkworth for this growth, but there is a real danger we will be swamped! So the growth coming to Warkworth needs to be well planned and managed to ensure we have a space that is as liveable as is possible. Where access is easy, the environment is considered and enhanced, and connections between our various communities are easy, while also remaining environmentally sustainable. This requires communication, input and advocacy by the Local Board (and Councillor) with our community, Council planners, developers, Auckland Transport and the host of community groups who are working toward making Rodney an even better place to live. I will continue to apply myself to ensure the best outcomes possible are achieved for Rodney and in particular the Warkworth ward.
Tim Holdgate
I am family orientated, my wife and four children moved up from the North Shore in the early nineties to live on our Matakana lifestyle property. Since then I have been actively involved in the Rodney district through my 38-year career as a rural property consultant valuer, with business qualifications including a degree in Agricultural Commerce. My Warkworth community involvement has included 10 years on the Mahurangi College Board of Trustees (four years as chair) and seven years as trustee on the Harbour Sport Trust Board, together with a myriad of other local community committees and groups. The latter providing a broad knowledge of our community’s cultural, sporting and recreational needs. I was elected for my first three-year term as an independent member of the Rodney Local Board in 2019.
Are you a member of or affiliated to any political party, organisation or advocacy group? If so, which one(s)?
Vice-president, Landowners and Contractors Association, committee member Agricultural & Pastoral Society, Warkworth branch
What skills will you bring to the Rodney Local Board (RLB)?
Experience – in valuation and financial business management, previous three-year term on Rodney Local Board. Independence – skill to independently provide for Rodney community’s needs and desires. Not politically aligned. Fairness – the ability to demand Rodney’s fair share of rates funding to be spent locally. Transparency and accountability – open RLB workshop meetings, to promote frank discussion and debate in the community. Rates – responsible fiscal management, full financial disclosure. No more Targeted Rates. Roads/Footpaths – demand RLB share of the Regional Fuel Tax be spent on notorious Rodney roads. Insist on better maintenance of footpaths, replace all those paths that have proven to be hazardous.
What is the most important issue facing the Rodney Local Board?
Roading in Rodney, particularly the poorly maintained condition of metal roads and the lack of any discernible planning programme to increase the proportion of sealed roads. The state of some metal rural roads in the Wellsford area now has Fonterra considering not collecting milk supply from dairy farms for health and safety reasons. This needs to change and smartly.
Fiscal control of the limited funding available, particularly in relation to the Transport Target Rate as a discretion fund. Strict needs assessment analysis for each proposed project, together with the need to review before and during the various projects as financial circumstances dictate.
Wellsford subdivision
Colin Smith
My family are direct descendants of the original Albertlanders that settled in the Rodney area over 150 years ago. I have farmed and worked in the area for over 50 years and I have experienced three iterations of local government in that time. I am a dry stock farmer in the Wellsford subdivision and have worked in the commercial transport industry for over 40 years. I am a qualified automotive engineer by trade.
Are you a member of or affiliated to any political party, organisation or advocacy group? If so, which one(s)?
I have no affiliations to any political party, organisation or advocacy group and am running as an independent candidate.
What skills will you bring to the Rodney Local Board?
I have served as the Wellsford ward subdivision representative for six years on the Rodney Local Board. I was a founding member of the Wellsford Ward Ratepayers Association and I have supported many local groups, schools and events over the years. I am a qualified automotive engineer and have worked in the commercial transport sector, working as an owner/operator for Smiths Transport for over 40 years. I have extensive knowledge of roading infrastructure and drainage and have excellent interpersonal skills, communicating and advocating for the whole community. I have built extensive relationships with staff and key stakeholders within the Auckland Council and Auckland Transport to achieve results.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Rodney at the moment that the Local Board, with its limited powers, can effectively tackle?
The most important issue I believe is getting fair representation for all the community (urban and rural) on the local board. At present, groups/tickets dominate outcomes and unfairly influence projects. I believe that members are voted on a board to advocate for their community in a fair and balanced manner. I stand for more transparency (open workshops for the community), accountability, and collaboration with the Rodney Local Board to achieve tangible outcomes. I have consistently advocated for better roading, stormwater, drainage and infrastructure. I believe that once these most basic of needs are addressed, then everything else will fall into place. The most important principle is listening and advocating for your community.
Libby Clews
I live in rural Wellsford with my two young children and husband Mike. I run Northern Helping Hands and help many community groups. Prior to having children, my career was in procurement, analysis and management. I grew up in a small town much like Wellsford and understand what smaller communities like ours need. I also served in the Territorial Force – Army Infantry for three years. I am incredibly passionate about serving my community. This has seen me work in a voluntary capacity to set up many programmes and events in Rodney and Kaipara. I am a Trustee of Northern Helping Hands and Trustee of Mangawhai’s Helping Paws.
Are you a member of or affiliated to any political party, organisation or advocacy group? If so, which one(s)?
None, I am an independent.
What skills will you bring to the Rodney Local Board?
I have a demonstrated history of working with established and emerging community groups and am dedicated to rebuilding relationships and getting the board working for our community. I also have formal people management experience. My procurement skills mean I understand large budgets, tenders, contracts and more. I can analyse effectively to see where improvements can be made. I have years of successful event management experience. My experience in sourcing means I have solid negotiation skills and an ability to work with different cultures. I am a swift problem solver, especially working alongside businesses. I can forecast with ease to ensure we are not caught short. I have excellent computer and information technology skills. I am naturally energetic, enthusiastic and positive.
What do you feel is the most important issue facing Rodney at the moment that the Local Board, with its limited powers, can effectively tackle?
North Rodney is facing unprecedented population growth, and we need to future-proof to cope. A new motorway is planned east of Wellsford and we need to plan for this change. While we need additional housing to support our growing population, this will put pressure on our infrastructure and environment. Also, the facilities in the town area are old, run down and not sufficient. Living in a smaller community can mean there are fewer events and opportunities to get out and about. Often events must be championed by a community group, and funding can be lost as people move on. I will tackle all of these areas and more, effectively, when on the board to ensure our area continues to thrive.
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