Sign In / Register
Key concerns that the Hibiscus Coast community is raising with candidates this election, not surprisingly, relate to rapid growth and the need for increased investment in this area by Auckland Council.
The overriding sense from views expressed at local election meetings is that the area is suffering as a result of poor planning – that the Coast’s population is being allowed to expand while provision of infrastructure, facilities, public transport and green spaces fail to keep pace.
Our readers asked Hibiscus Matters to ask Council and local board candidates a number of questions. We summarised the five most common questions that we received and put them to each candidate, leaving it up to them as to which ones, if any, they answered.
The questions related to spending locally sourced rates locally; that Council needs to cut costs (and staff); whether Council Controlled Organisations such as Auckland Transport and Watercare are out of control; that infrastructure (especially transport) needs to keep pace with development; and environmental concerns – particularly the spraying of Roundup on parks, playgrounds and roadsides.
On some things, all who responded were in agreement: the spraying of Roundup to kill weeds in public places, for example, was roundly condemned by all the candidates who replied to this question.
When it came to infrastructure, the building of the Penlink Road was frequently mentioned, along with the need for a larger local Park ‘n’ Ride. A number of candidates are standing on a pro-Penlink ticket, but even those who are not, including Independent candidates for the local board, Brent Ritchie and John Davies, are giving Penlink their backing.
Methods of reducing council costs suggested by candidates generally focused on reducing waste and managing resources more efficiently – something also prioritised by the mayoral candidates who spoke recently in Orewa (see below).
Election timeline and facts
- Voting documents delivered September 16–21 to those on the electoral roll
- Voting period: September 16 to October 8 (noon). It is recommended that you post voting papers by October 5 to ensure they get in on time.
- If you are not on the Electoral Roll, you can still vote by registering for a special vote. To do this, phone the Electoral Office on 0800 922 822 or email info@electionservices.co.nz
More info: showyourlove.co.nz/howtovote
