Janet Fitzgerald – Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, Hibiscus Coast subdivision

I have lived on the Coast all of my life. My schooling was at Orewa and most of my employment has also been on the Coast. I have been involved with many organisations  and am a real people person. I was a former Rodney Councillor and am a current member of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.
 
What are the three crucial issues facing the Hibiscus Coast?
• Growth
• Service delivery
• Infrastructure

How would you address those issues?
Growth: This needs to be worked through with the developers to achieve a better outcome for our community and negotiate with the Council to receive more of the growth fund to achieve better outcomes.

Service delivery: The Local Board needs to be adamant that we won’t accept the standard of service we have experienced since Auckland Council came in to being. With new contracts going out for tender, the Local board needs to have major input to make sure we get value and a higher standard for money. Confusion of ‘who does what’ needs to be sorted out.

Infrastructure: With growth comes the need for more essential services such as water, sewerage, stormwater and roading. Planning has to start now and I will work with officers to achieve the best outcome. Roading projects are essential in our area and I will continue to advocate for Penlink plus continue the working relationship that I have worked on this term with Michael Barnett, CEO Auckland Chamber of Commerce, to get Penlink built as soon as possible.

What do you hope to achieve?
I am totally committed to getting the best outcomes for the community and I am prepared to go that extra mile to achieve it. Working alongside our communities is paramount. I have been fortunate to have worked with the Silverdale business area on looking at future roading solutions. I support:

• The building of the Men’s Shed to provide a place for men/women to meet and work on projects for our community.
• Whangaparaoa 2030
• Chemical free and mechanically edging in our parks and roads.
• Environmental groups working towards a pest free area.
• Sporting and community groups to make sure we have facilities that meet the communities needs.
• Hall committees to achieve better outcomes.

It is important that we get our fair share of our rates. Most of all I want to achieve Penlink ASAP.