Viewpoint – Hello from the new chair

Next week, I step into the role of chair of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. 

Local Board members decided to split the three-year council term in half with a different chair and deputy for each. Gary Brown will be the new deputy chair.

I have been on the local board since 2019 and am looking forward to getting stuck in as chair. I live in Okura with my husband and two young girls and have a background in policy and communications, working for the likes of Pharmac, a brain research centre and local members of parliament. In my spare time, I’m a Justice of the Peace and North Harbour Community Patroller. My grandparents were the first residents at Hibiscus Coast Village and I have many happy memories of exploring the Coast with them and frequenting our favourite Red Beach Bakehouse.

My parents were actively involved in community issues when I was young, like fighting to stop Okura bush becoming a tip. You could say politics is in my blood, as my sister is also the MP for East Coast Bays, Erica Stanford. We work closely on local matters, but my role differs significantly, as it should, in being apolitical. 

Local board members are here to ensure your hard-earned rates are spent on projects that are of high value and need, that we’re advocating to council and central government for relevant policy changes, and fighting for our share of regional and central government funding.

There are several pressing issues on the Coast that I’ve already been very involved with and will continue to champion on your behalf. Recently, I presented to the Auckland Transport Board and council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee on the need for a Whangaparāoa bus interchange, and retaining and reinstating our Gulf Harbour ferry service. I’ve been putting the pressure on early to ensure these important transport projects make it into the upcoming draft Regional Land Transport Plan (where transport projects get prioritised and delivered).

We have big projects underway soon. In June, construction of the Ōrewa Beach seawall will begin. To minimise disruption, construction will be staged over this winter and next. Pending final approval at our April business meeting, our much loved and widely used Ōrewa library will undergo major works. The nearly 30-year-old building needs a roof replacement, so we are taking the opportunity to improve the functionality of the library by adding a mezzanine floor. This is expected to take a year, with temporary library services at Ōrewa Community Centre.

I look forward to keeping you updated on the work of the local board and you are welcome to get in touch with me at any time at alexis.poppelbaum@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.