My Account
Marja Lubeck – Labour
Who is Marja Lubeck?
I arrived in New Zealand from The Netherlands in 1989, attracted to its clean, green, nuclear-free image. While working for Air New Zealand and serving as president of the Flight Attendant Association,
I studied part-time for a law degree, not to become a lawyer but to better serve my members. My years of advocating for airline workers meant I’ve been able to use those skills to advocate for community and local issues.
Where do you live?
I’m a local. My Kiwi husband and I live in Te Arai/Wellsford with our son, who went to Tomarata School and Rodney College.
What is the biggest local issue facing Kaipara ki Mahurangi? If elected, what do you plan to do about it?
A large electorate has local/specific issues; access to healthcare, need for a secondary school; but all through the electorate there’s need for investment in infrastructure – whether sealing of our rural roads, better transport choices or safer and less congested roads. Because of Covid, it’s also about jobs. Labour’s economic recovery plan includes record investments in transport infrastructure and services to create jobs. After my “trifecta of wins” with Penlink, the four-lane Matakana link road and the Mahurangi River restoration project, I’ll continue to advocate for local infrastructure projects.
What is the biggest national issue facing New Zealand? If elected, what do you plan to do about it?
The one in a 100-year shock with Covid-19 is our most challenging battle in generations. But we’re in a better position than most countries; our focus is now on rebuilding the country with a balanced five-point plan as a pathway to lower debt and reducing deficit while still providing the public services New Zealand needs: 1. Investing in our people with extra income support and opportunities to retrain through free apprenticeships and vocational training; 2. Creating jobs through shovel-ready infrastructure projects and environmental work 3. Preparing for our future by building more state houses, waste processing facilities, 100 per cent renewable electricity. 4. Supporting small businesses; 5. Positioning ourselves globally, supporting our exporters.
What is your attitude to the proposal by Waste Management to construct a landfill in the Dome Valley? If elected, would you take any action in respect to the landfill and if so what would it be?
I supported the Save the Dome campaign from the start – attended meetings, presented a petition to Parliament, wrote to Ministers and the Mayor in July and marched in the Hikoi (the only MP present).
Volumes of waste going to landfill increased 41 per cent under National over nine years. Not good enough. We recently announced investment in the Waste Minimisation Fund. We need other ways than sticking our rubbish in a hole in the ground.
What do you think of the current Government’s approach to Covid-19? How could it be improved?
There’s no playbook for this kind of global pandemic but we continuously review and improve where necessary. Overall, I believe we have all done very well. I have parents in the Netherlands who have been locked up for months, and there are 1000-plus new Covid cases daily. I can say we’re the envy of most other countries.
What is your attitude to global climate change? What does New Zealand need to do to combat climate change?
We need to step up and take action on climate change now. Labour has passed the Zero Carbon Act, banned single-use plastic bags, stopped issuing new permits for oil and gas, is investing in green hydrogen/biofuels with the aim of 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025. In the face of Covid-19, we’re investing in nature to support thousands of jobs now and protect our environment for generations to come.
The Government recently introduced tough new rules on farmers to ensure livestock don’t pollute waterways. Do you think too much is being required of farmers to halt environmental damage or do you think they are being treated fairly?
Degradation of our waterways didn’t happen overnight, and won’t be resolved overnight. But if we don’t start now, they’ll get worse, more expensive to fix and we risk serious damage to our country’s wellbeing, our primary industries and our clean, green reputation. It’s not just a rural issue, it’s an urban issue as well. Many farmers already do great work, it’s going to take all of us in a combined effort to get our rivers swimmable again.
Do you support the End of Life Choice Act?
I believe in giving terminally ill people the choice and that the changes made to the Bill have addressed concerns that people submitted on.
Do you think recreational use of cannabis should become legal?
People shouldn’t be criminalised for it but equally I don’t want young people accessing it. The Bill doesn’t introduce cannabis to NZ, it’s already around. Legislation will allow us to set legal frameworks around it, educate and regulate how people access it.
Chris Penk – National
Who is Chris Penk?
I’m Chris Penk, a 40-year-old father, husband and dog owner. My working life began as a naval officer, initially on a Kiwi frigate and then as an aide to the Governor-General. I then served as a navigating officer on an Australian submarine. I was also a lawyer, co-founding my own small firm shortly before entering Parliament. I love cricket and rugby league. I’ve been an MP for one term (so far!), having succeeded John Key in the Helensville electorate. I’m delighted to be seeking election for the blue team in Kaipara ki Mahurangi, especially getting out and about to all my new areas.
Where do you live?
I live at the southern end of the current Helensville electorate, in the Waitakere Ranges foothills. My wife and I own our first family home in Glen Eden.
What is the biggest local issue facing Kaipara ki Mahurangi? If elected, what do you plan to do
about it?
Locals always raise infrastructure issues. Probably the biggest single problem would be the state of rural roads, along with the need for better transport links (i.e. more of the four-lane highways National got going), lower transport costs (for example, resisting the double highway toll option) and resilient water systems. As these issues have major crossover with local government, my emphasis will be working alongside your councillor and Local Board members to advocate for better results, especially for this area to gets its fair share of investment within “Auckland”.
What is the biggest national issue facing New Zealand? If elected, what do you plan to do about it?
The biggest national issue right now is jobs. National will enable opportunities for Kiwis who are willing and able to look after themselves and their own families.
What is your attitude to the proposal by Waste Management to construct a landfill in the Dome Valley? If elected, would you take any action in respect to the landfill and if so what would it be?
I’ve recently published a position statement on exactly this subject; please check it out at my “Chris Penk” Facebook page if you’re interested. As a local MP, I’ll be pushing the Government hard to develop better options for waste disposal than we currently have.
What do you think of the current Government’s approach to Covid-19? How could it be improved?
Some of the authority’s decisions have been helpful. The timing of the initial lockdown was roughly right, for example, after the Government had been slow to implement border controls and New Zealand had imported the virus by that stage. I’ve been critical of several key aspects of decision making along the way, however, such as the arbitrary designation of “essential services”. An example would be threatening the livelihoods of local and independent retailers – such as butchers, bakers and greengrocers – as the Government chose to favour the large supermarket duopoly.
Local food banks and support agencies have seen an increase in demand this year due to Covid-19.
What do you think needs to be done to alleviate the economic impact of Covid-19 for the most vulnerable?
The best form of welfare is a job. National will enable an employment market with equal opportunities for all.
What is your attitude to global climate change? What does New Zealand need to do to combat climate change?
It’s important we protect our environment. As a nation, we need to embrace practical solutions to reduce air pollution without destroying our rural character and livelihoods.
Are there any other key environment policies that you feel the Government urgently needs to pursue?
All environmental policies are important but laws should not be created in a vacuum. We should reverse the recent ban on using New Zealand’s local natural gas and stop importing foreign dirty coal to make up the resultant energy shortfall.
The Government recently introduced tough new rules on farmers to ensure livestock don’t pollute waterways. Do you think too much is being required of farmers to halt environmental damage or do you think they are being treated fairly?
I don’t think farmers are being treated fairly. The backbone of our export economy is agriculture and the Government should have been working alongside the best conservationists in the land – farmers themselves – to design practical guidelines to ensure environmental protection.
Do you support the End of Life Choice Act?
No. The key principle is that we should be looking to provide better end-of-life care rather than simply ending it. The key practical consideration, however, is the lack of key safeguards in the proposed law. There is no “stand down” or “cooling off” period after a person’s decision to die, for example, other than 48 hours between the box-ticking to lethal injection.
Do you think recreational use of cannabis should become legal?
No. Our young people, in particular, already face enough challenges to mental wellbeing without the Government normalising a recreational drug known to have psychotic properties for some users.
Brenda Steele – NZ First
Who is Brenda Steele?
I am married. I was on the Rodney Local Board for nine years and served one term as chairperson. I am presently chairperson of the Whiti Ora O Kaipara Charitable Trust and Beacon Pathway Incorporation. I am also an advisory member on the Defence Employment Support Council, an MSD Review Committee member, deputy chair of the Kaipatiki Reserve, and a management committee member of Te Uri o Hau Incorporation. Only three of the committees mentioned are paid, the rest are all done in a voluntary capacity because I enjoy sharing my skill and grassroots knowledge for reflective local outcomes.
Where do you live?
I live at 30 Wharepapa Road, Helensville and am of the sixth generation living in the district. I was born in Helensville and attended local schools – Waimauku Primary, Kaipara and Massey College.
What is the biggest local issue facing Kaipara ki Mahurangi? If elected, what do you plan to do about it?
The biggest issue for northern Kaipara ki Mahurangi is the proposal of a landfill in the Dome Valley. NZ First does not support the practice of landfill or cleanfill land use to bury waste. This cannot be accepted as a sustainable practice for the future of New Zealand. We support a mix of local and light industrial upcycle, recycle, grassroots-managed organisations and innovative, savvy technology that breaks material down to be reused and manufactured.
What is the biggest national issue facing New Zealand? If elected, what do you plan to do about it?
The biggest national issue we are all facing is “when will life come back to normal”, what does the new normal look like for us? NZ First has a recovery plan waiting to be shared when re-elected.
What is your attitude to the proposal by Waste Management to construct a landfill in the Dome Valley? If elected, would you take any action in respect to the landfill and if so what would it be?
I signed the petition against the proposed landfill so I need to declare that. NZ First supported a remit to oppose all landfills/cleanfills and remove the decision making from regional authorities to central government. Remit development has started.
What do you think of the current Government’s approach to Covid-19? How could it be improved?
The coalition Government has done a great job under the circumstances, however the present lockdown highlights boundary frustrations of being part of Auckland. I expect a review to be actioned on the impact of Auckland being the only city in New Zealand to be restricted under the present restrictions for six weeks. Boundary reviews need to be the first-priority to be reviewed.
Local food banks and support agencies have seen an increase in demand this year due to Covid-19.
What do you think needs to be done to alleviate the economic impact of Covid-19 for the most vulnerable?
NZ First is committed to on the job training, raising the minimum wage, boosting economic growth to create jobs through the Provincial Growth fund and supporting the business sector at a regional, urban and central level.
What is your attitude to global climate change? What does New Zealand need to do to combat climate change?
NZ First has taken a common sense approach to combat climate change and a staged approach to the Zero Carbon Act, especially when considering the rural sector of New Zealand.
Are there any other key environment policies that you feel the Government urgently needs to pursue?
Remove the decision making on landfill/clean fill and water bottling applications from regional authorities under Local Government New Zealand and change the Resource Management Act to place decision making with the Crown.
The Government recently introduced tough new rules on farmers to ensure livestock don’t pollute waterways. Do you think too much is being required of farmers to halt environmental damage or do you think they are being treated fairly?
If you are a dairy farmer under Fonterra it has been a requirement for some years to fence the waterways. Both Beef + Lamb and Federated Farmers support waterways being fenced, but expect a staged approach and funding support to landowners to achieve completion. However, common sense must be applied depending on the contour and size of the land. One size fits all is not a practicable solution.
Do you support the End of Life Choice Act?
I am still considering all the information available. Am presently unsure.
Do you think recreational use of cannabis should become legal?
Presently unsure.
Beth Houlbrooke – ACT
Who is Beth Houlbrooke?
I’m currently the deputy chair of the Rodney Local Board, having served as chair from 2016-2019. I also contract to the ACT Party in their candidate development programme and was previously self-employed for 30 years in farming and transport.
Where do you live?
I’m a Warkworth resident of over 26 years and have a lifetime connection to the area with a family bach on the Takatu Peninsula. There is nowhere else I’d rather be.
What is the biggest local issue facing Kaipara ki Mahurangi? If elected, what do you plan to do about it?
Roading congestion and transport infrastructure deficits. ACT would introduce real time congestion monitoring and pricing to drive efficient use of our existing roads, incentivise public transport, and collect data to inform where new roads are needed. It’s fair, better for the environment and the economy, lowers fuel taxes (and would do away with the Regional Fuel Tax), while raising revenue for better maintenance and future investment.
What is the biggest national issue facing New Zealand? If elected, what do you plan to do about it?
Our economic recovery. We will see more businesses fail and many more people laid off before the end of the year. ACT has a fully-costed plan for economic recovery, which keeps debt low, cuts taxes, and gets the country back to surplus, while keeping Kiwis in work.
What is your attitude to the proposal by Waste Management to construct a landfill in the Dome Valley? If elected, would you take any action in respect to the landfill and if so what would it be?
Waste is driven to landfill because the Resource Management Act (RMA) explicitly bans alternative solutions such as waste-to-energy. ACT would repeal the RMA and replace it with environmental objectives to encourage innovation and stop councils being both a regulator and player in the waste industry.
What do you think of the current Government’s approach to Covid-19? How could it be improved?
Continued lockdowns are not sustainable. The Government had 102 days to prepare for another rise of Covid-19 and ensure the system was safer. They failed. ACT’s Wellbeing Approach to Covid-19 considers all the costs of Covid-19 and would maintain elimination, while maximising overall wellbeing. We would establish a specialist multi-disciplinary epidemic response unit like Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Centre, with overarching responsibility for our national strategy. We would ensure its first task would be to improve contact tracing to the standard that lockdowns are not required to contain an outbreak with a single chain of transmission.
Local food banks and support agencies have seen an increase in demand this year due to Covid-19.
What do you think needs to be done to alleviate the economic impact of Covid-19 for the most vulnerable?
We’d ensure welfare was targeted where it was needed. ACT would cut GST and taxes to provide immediate financial relief and make it easier for employers to take on new staff by reinstating 90-day trials to all businesses and pausing minimum wage hikes. We’d introduce an employment insurance scheme.
What is your attitude to global climate change? What does New Zealand need to do to combat climate change?
New Zealand must play its part on climate change, so ACT will replace the Zero Carbon Act and Emissions Trading Scheme with a no-nonsense climate change plan tying New Zealand’s carbon price to the prices paid by our top five trading partners. We would change regulations to give carbon credits to New Zealand wood products, which store carbon for at least 50 years, like timber houses.
Are there any other key environment policies that you feel the Government urgently needs to pursue?
Stop subsidising pine trees on productive farm land through the Provincial Growth Fund and Billion Trees scheme.
The Government recently introduced tough new rules on farmers to ensure livestock don’t pollute waterways. Do you think too much is being required of farmers to halt environmental damage or do you think they are being treated fairly?
Farmers are being persecuted at a time when they are leading environmental improvements and conservation efforts on private land, while councils spill sewage into our waterways. About 54,000km of riparian margin has already been fenced by farmers voluntarily. Recent freshwater regulations are completely unworkable and many farmers will have no choice but to sell up and see their farms replaced with pine trees, communities destroyed, and food production pushed offshore to countries with poor environmental practices.
Do you support the End of Life Choice Act?
Yes, this was ACT’s bill.
Do you think recreational use of cannabis should become legal?
There is a strong case that prohibition is a failed policy. Evidence from North America is mixed on whether legalisation makes things better in practice. ACT will honour the referendum result at the first reading of the Bill. However, we cannot commit to passing the Bill until we have heard public submissions to Parliament’s select committee.
Zephyr Brown – Green
Who is Zephyr Brown?
I was born and raised in Oratia, West Auckland. I am currently the chief operating officer of ICG, a 30-year-old publishing and print company operating in central Auckland. I have extensive business experience and a belief that sustainability and success go together. I am running as a candidate to promote the Green Party and its principles of ecological wisdom, social responsibility, appropriate decision-making and non-violence.
Where do you live?
My wife and I moved to the beautiful rural community of Ti Point on the east coast seven years ago.
What is the biggest local issue facing Kaipara ki Mahurangi? If elected, what do you plan to do about it?
There are many issues facing us but I think that planning for growth and the stresses that growth places on infrastructure like transport and resources like water are a high priority locally. The Green Party has a bold new plan for an Aotearoa where all of us have what we need to live good lives and where our natural environment is protected for our kids and grandkids.
What is the biggest national issue facing New Zealand? If elected, what do you plan to do about it?
The Covid-19 recovery is uppermost in most people’s minds. However, as summer approaches, the climate crisis and its effects, like the possibility of drought and more water shortages, will be highlighted once again.
What is your attitude to the proposal by Waste Management to construct a landfill in the Dome Valley? If elected, would you take any action in respect to the landfill and if so what would it be?
The Green Party works toward a zero waste New Zealand where landfills are no longer required. We will:
• Use the Waste Minimisation and Litter Act to ensure we have the tools needed to put Aotearoa on a zero waste pathway. • Commit to zero food waste and zero e-waste in our landfills, and pass legislation creating clear waste management obligations for businesses and local authorities. • Reward innovation by increasing funding available through the Waste Minimisation Fund, creating jobs in a materials recovery, reuse, and re-purposing sector. • Ensure that the Kaipara Harbour has the strongest protection possible. • Uphold the kaitiaki, proprietary, and customary rights of iwi and hapū over water.
• Support farmers to reduce run-off and the need for irrigation, while improving resilience to floods and droughts.
What do you think of the current Government’s approach to Covid-19? How could it be improved?
We’ve had one of the most successful responses to Covid-19 in the world. People are the economy. Protecting our vulnerable, whānau and at-risk communities puts us in a strong position for recovery. We need to ensure that we use the opportunity the recovery gives us to build back better, rather than entrenching the growing inequality of the last three decades.
Local food banks and support agencies have seen an increase in demand this year due to Covid-19.
What do you think needs to be done to alleviate the economic impact of Covid-19 for the most vulnerable?
Our Poverty Action plan is a new, simple safety net that works for all of us. It’s our plan to improve our communities long-term, so all people in New Zealand can live with dignity, put a roof over their heads and food on the table.
What is your attitude to global climate change? What does New Zealand need to do to combat climate change?
The Greens have the strongest environmental position of any party in Aotearoa. We have plans for transitions in waste, water, agriculture, and transport which will enable us to lead the world in climate action.
Are there any other key environment policies that you feel the Government urgently needs to pursue?
We know we need to go further and faster on climate action, which is why we are proposing a Clean Energy plan to kick-start the transition to end the use of fossil fuels in Aotearoa.
The Government recently introduced tough new rules on farmers to ensure livestock don’t pollute waterways. Do you think too much is being required of farmers to halt environmental damage or do you think they are being treated fairly?
We recently announced our Farming for the Future plan, which aims for a just transition from unsustainable farming practices. We want to give our rural communities the support they need to create a sustainable sector that can take on the climate crisis and clean up our rivers and aquifers.
Do you support the End of Life Choice Act?
Yes, I support giving people who are over 18 with a terminal illness that’s likely to end their life within six months, and are experiencing unbearable suffering, the dignity of choosing how and when to end that suffering.
Do you think recreational use of cannabis should become legal?
Yes, as with alcohol and tobacco, I think that having control and regulation over its supply and use will lead to reduced harm and better outcomes for individuals and our communities.
David Ford – Independent
Who is David Ford?
I am a doctor of Oriental Medicine. I have 47 years executive-level international clinician-teacher leadership in the 5000-year-old Earth Sciences tradition. I am a networker, mediator, solar futurist and unifier. My passion? We Kiwis lead, we have a planet to save.
What is the biggest local issue facing Kaipara ki Mahurangi? If elected, what do you plan to do about it?
Constraining the Covid like spread of Aucklandia. Ninety percent of locals never wanted it. We should be going up not out. I am fierce for proactively igniting our extraordinary local genius, inventiveness and leadership.
What is the biggest national issue facing New Zealand?
Lack of trust in our collective Kiwi imagination. Northern hemisphere extractive thinking and use has failed the planet, failed humanity and is dooming our future.
I believe it is our beautiful nation’s time to lead the great 21st century restoration.
What should be done about Waste Management’s plans to construct a landfill in the Dome Valley?
It should be stopped. We should initiate a rates revolt and call on Kiwis to boycott plastics and packaging, and to start “mindfully” shopping.
What do you think of the current Government’s approach to Covid-19?
I think our nation of five million heroes are doing brilliantly, wisely guided from the top. We must continue to honour simple safety guidelines and be kind.
Local food banks and support agencies have seen an increase in demand this year due to
Covid-19. What do you think needs to be done to alleviate the economic impact of Covid-19 for the most vulnerable?
Koha in any form from those who can give with ease. Community gardens. A frank nationwide public discussion about a possible debt jubilee. Volunteerism, trade and exchange. It’s our Kiwi DNA.
What is your attitude to global climate change? What does New Zealand need to do to combat climate change?
If we don’t rapidly evolve the destruction will radically magnify. Covid and this year’s droughts are a distressed Earth’s gentle invitation for change.
Stop shopping. We collectively are blindly consuming the planet to death.
Institute 3.5 day work week. Recreation without consumption.
Do you support the End of Life Choice Act?
Yes, with small modifications. Forty-seven years as a clinician reinforces my belief in a person’s dignity to legally end suffering.
Do you think recreational use of cannabis should become legal?
Yes. In the US, cannabis-legal states have overall lower crime stats. I also observe increased community-wide joy and happiness in those states.
Pauline Berry – New Conservative
Who is Pauline Berry?
I have been a professional musician since 15. I’m a grafter and multitasker, who has been proactive on several issues, especially the Green Quota in the late 1990s to get more New Zealand music on air. I have one grown daughter who is involved in the arts too. I am the current secretary of the Variety Artists Club of NZ, a fellowship group for people who perform and entertain in any way. The club also provides a platform for the next generation to try their skills in front of an audience.
What is the biggest local issue facing Kaipara ki Mahurangi?
My emphasis would be on supporting farmers, as they are the bread basket of New Zealand. I am anti-1080 use and very keen to discuss mental health issues relating to New Zealanders who feel left behind.
What is the biggest national issue facing New Zealand?
Freedom of speech and a biased mainstream media.
What is your attitude to the proposal by Waste Management to construct a landfill in the Dome Valley?
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