My Account
I am a Rodney resident, experienced businessman, company chairman and I am passionate about getting Rodney back its fair share of rates. Rapid rate rises, a central city focus and the failure to deal with important local issues are the main reasons why I am standing. I am running on a platform of stopping Council’s wastage and overspending, getting Council back to core business and having local rates spent locally.
Why are you standing?
I believe Auckland Council has lost track of the important issues facing Rodney. I am deeply disappointed about how little of our rates have been spent back in our area.
What are the three main issues facing the Rodney Ward?
As well as fighting rate increases, I want to stop Council’s wastage and overspending, I want to get Council back to basic core services, and I want our local rates spent locally.
What would you hope to achieve over the next three years?
I believe ratepayers should have transparency and be able to see where their rates are being spent. Instead of Rodney’s rates secretly being used to fund massive central Auckland projects, I want the people of Rodney to get a “fair go” and to have our much-needed rates spent locally.
How could Council improve its performance?
Council can start by immediately getting the annual $790 million wage bill under control, which has blown out by over $50 million every year. Last year it blew out by $63 million. This is overspending that Council cannot afford. I will ensure Council lives within its financial means.
What skills can you offer?
I am an experienced businessman. Combined with my last six years as a Local Board politician, I believe I have the financial, governance and political experience people are desperately seeking in their next Councillor. This range of experience is ideal for balanced decision-making and for bringing financial responsibility back into Council.
Where do you stand on the proposal to split Rodney from Auckland Council?
The majority of Rodney’s rates are being siphoned off to fund central Auckland projects that provide little benefit to the people of Rodney. A fairer model than that introduced by Len Brown, and his Councillor supporters, is required. I will support any governance model that gets Rodney back its fair share of the rates.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Unnecessary Council regulations and rules need to be removed. Time delays and costs to do business with Council is out of control. Also, the traffic congestion at Hill Street must get fixed as well as more money being spent on sealing and maintaining our rural roads. Many people feel distanced from Council. Getting local decision-making back closer to the community level, by putting people first, is one of my priorities.
