Viewpoint – Three years of council life

I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the past three years in council as a base to look forward with a good degree of optimism.

I have largely loved my time as councillor for KDC. I came in on a platform of engagement, proven capacity to listen and always seeking good solutions for a better community. And, in my humble opinion, we have largely knuckled down and got a lot done, securing council a much better position at the end of this term than what we started with.

This latest council has been focused on moving forward, addressing significant issues, many left for them through prior councils’ process of kicking tough decisions down the road. We have a good Economic Development Plan, a new District Plan in consultation together with a three year plan, and we are finalising development/reserve contributions policies to cover known growth.

Roading was seen early as a major issue with all our 1100-plus kilometres of unsealed roads. We dismantled the hugely inefficient NTA, bought roading management/operations back in house and set about re-establishing a credible, performing group under Downer. You can never please everyone with roading, but the difference achieved with improved accolades from ratepayers is incredible.

Historically, infrastructure has been poorly planned and under-delivered in Kaipara. Additionally, we have had to work through several major changes between and within governments, plus no less than four natural disasters. All huge impacts on our productivity and workload especially for a small council. Our staff have certainly largely risen to the challenges.

We have good plans for several wastewater plants across the district with Mangawhai, unsurprisingly, the biggest. I have a particular satisfaction in getting agreement for a small, experienced and independent governance group to oversee the next phase of that capacity and disposal programme to ensure it remains efficient and not hijacked as it was from 2006 to 2010.

There are many highlights of our three-year tenure and the jointly agreed solution to get the Mangawhai Surf Club operational again by summer is one of them.

Our Kaiwaka-Mangawhai elected member team has worked well together. Perhaps that is reflected in the June 2025 Annual Residents Overall Satisfaction Survey results where Kaiwaka-Mangawhai members were the highest rated of the year at 67%. I want to especially acknowledge Cr Rachael Williams with whom I have worked very closely, as well as Mayor Craig Jepson and Cr Jonathan Larsen.

It was also satisfying to connect with our mutual colleagues in Rodney/Auckland to raise our roading issues in their territory – namely trying to get slow driver bays along roads that lead to Mangawhai. Auckland Transport has been supportive in the adjacent roading work they have completed at our behest. Cnr Gordon Lambeth has also always been willing to help out.

Balancing many achievements has been one real negative – the so-called West/East divide is a misnomer, largely based on poor narratives, misleading information and ignorance. The truth is that a lot of the funds generated by Mangawhai’s growth are shared across the district. Conveniently, this is clearly misrepresented by some. It would be great if this was eradicated!

Regrettably, earlier this year I had a series of significant medical events. Because I have loved the opportunity you gave me three years ago, I wanted to acknowledge the ratepayers of Kaiwaka/Mangawhai for their faith and for the pleasure I have had representing you all. I reluctantly confirm that on strong medical advice I will be retiring after just one term.

Go Kaipara – the place to be.