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I’m a 21-year-old, Mahurangi-born candidate and a descendent of the first Bohemian settlers in Pūhoi. I serve as the president of Mahurangi Action Inc. and the chair of the Mahurangi Coastal Trail Trust. I am also a New Zealand Football representative player. Having returned from an athletic scholarship at Florida Gulf Coast University, where I achieved President’s List scholar, I have since established a successful, locally-based merchandising enterprise.
Why are you standing for election?
The future of our community is determined by decisions made today. Young people need active involvement in this decision-making. I’m also a local resident, born and bred. Communities know better than the governing body what is best for our backyards. As your elected representative, I will work to bridge the disconnect between locals and Auckland Council.
What are the three main issues facing Warkworth/Rodney?
- Better growth: We all know Warkworth and Rodney are about to grow at an extremely rapid pace. After adoption of the Auckland Unitary Plan, Council has confirmed that Warkworth will be a satellite growth centre. Unprecedented growth needs local board members whose horizons include future generations. I will work hard to help ensure that we plan, not just for a bigger Warkworth, but for a better Rodney.
- Better transport and roading: We need better public transport options such as the brilliant Kōwhai Connection and Mahu City Express. As a Rodney Local Board member, I will advocate and support an investigation into redesigning the Hill Street intersection, and support the NZTA announcement this week that a responsive speed limit may be implemented at the Pūhoi intersection. We must drastically improve these trouble spots, well before the completion of the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway extension.
- Preserving rural Rodney: People are flocking to Warkworth and north-eastern Rodney for the beauty of the countryside and coastline. It is essential that the qualities attracting this growth are not sacrificed to it. This makes our existing and future local and regional parks, and the paths and trails connecting them to the community, essential to preserving Rodney’s future.
