Viewpoint – Our opportunity to get it done

Thank you, Mahurangi – your message in this election was clear. You voted for practical action, for a collaborative approach and for a representative who will fight for a fair deal for our entire region. Now, with a new Rodney Local Board in place, we have a fresh opportunity to deliver on that mandate. The campaign is over, and the real work of building a stronger future for our communities begins.

Our first and most pressing opportunity is to get ahead of the growth that is putting immense pressure on our towns. For too long, development has outpaced the capacity of our essential services. This new board has a mandate to change that. My approach will be clear: infrastructure must come first. We will fight to ensure our rates are spent wisely on the basics our communities have been asking for. This isn’t just about managing growth – it’s about making sure the growth serves our communities, not the other way around.

Beyond the infrastructure, we have a critical window to champion the unique lifestyle that defines us.

This means strengthening protections for our coastline and empowering the incredible local heroes who are already doing the work. My plan is to cut the red tape for our volunteer groups and fight for more funding to support their conservation efforts, from pest control to habitat restoration. We will back the volunteers who safeguard our future. This same focus applies to the heart of our community – our parks, halls and sports clubs. By investing in these shared spaces, we invest in the families and people who rely on them.

Ultimately, this new term is an opportunity to foster unity and build a Mahurangi where our kids can see a great future for themselves right here at home. We can achieve this by backing our local businesses, and cutting council red tape to give them the confidence to invest and create quality jobs. My focus is on proven, practical leadership and working collaboratively to get the job done.

The challenges are real and our work isn’t done. I am ready to be your strong voice, and to deliver real outcomes. Together, let’s get it done