Hmelectionfeat2013

Hibiscusmatters 18 September 2013 | 13

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Council Elections

YOUR VOTE – YOUR COMMUNITY2 134

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| Hibiscusmatters 18 September 201314

Standing up for you to have a voice that is heard on issues affecting you.

Standing up for you to have a voice that

Authorised by N. Heslop, 5 Triton Dr. Albany

✔for the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.

Simonne DyerSimonne DyerVote

Council Elections 2013

YOUR VOTE – YOUR COMMUNITY

Hibiscus & Bays Local Board

Travis Wells-Lakeland

I’ll be working with you, for you

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TravisWellsL • Phone 021 168 8906

Authorised by T. Wells-Lakeland23 Kestrel Heights, Whangaparaoa.

Hibiscus Matters asked mayor Len Brown what the super city has done for the Hibiscus Coast.Auckland Mayor Len Brown is urging ratepayers that consider they have gained little from the super city to be patient, saying that the benefits of being part of an amalgamated Council are yet to fully flow out to all communities.He says that the tension between the need to bring legacy council areas under a single structure and set of rules, while retaining the unique flavour of local communities, may take nine years to resolve.On the plus side of the ledger, he says the governing body has been able to “minimise political divisiveness”, deliver on planning, including getting the Unitary Plan to notification stage, and amalgamate rates.He points to the opening of the Silverdale Park ‘n’ Ride as an example of local service improvements.Among the areas he thinks need further work are urban design/precinct planning (see story p3), equity in Local Board funding and the structure of Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs).“Funding for local boards is not a bottomless pit, but there is work going

on as to whether we have the funding allocations between the boards right. That review has been underway for six months and is ongoing, although we tried to finalise it before the election. He says the CCO structure will also be reviewed post-election – a process that will take around six months.The Mayor says he understands that ratepayers may feel they get no benefit from infrastructure that they are funding in the central city.“We try to be fair in the way we spend around the whole of Auckland, but particularly in transport there’s a big job to do. Much of it is north of the Harbour Bridge, including the tunnel under the Waitemata Harbour and the extension of the northern busway. Aucklanders travel significantly around the region and not only the inner city residents benefit.”He says he is confident that despite changes to the Resource Management Act, the new Rural Urban Boundary (which may rezone significant areas of Dairy Flat and Wainui as medium density residential) and the need to accommodate growth, there will be sufficient protection for the environment.“One of the primary reasons for planning a compact city is so we don’t chew up rural land and can preserve

the natural environment.”Has the local board been a success? Hibiscus Matters asked departing member John Kirikiri.John Kirikiri says the board, which has power over parks and reserves, libraries, Leisure Centres and precinct planning, struggled at times but is finding its feet in a role that is primarily advocating for the community.“I began by suggesting that the Local Boards were not necessary, but have changed my view,” Mr Kirikiri says. “We managed to get quite a few things sorted, such as relocation of Te Herenga Waka, which did not progress under Rodney District Council.”However, he says it would be better if local board submissions were given more weight by the governing body.“There is a tendency for Council to prioritise the views of ‘experts’ above those of locals.”Mr Kirikiri says the process has taken time to bed in. “Last year the board began to see the fruits of collaborative work with the governing body and CCOs. We struggled with the prioritisation of Auckland infrastructure projects, but now those things are being dealt with at working party level. At times we have had to remind officers when

the delegated authority sits with the local board: the process has been a learning curve for all involved. Auckland Council Property Ltd now won’t dispose of property in our area without coming to the local board and we’re ironing out issues with ATEED regarding event funding, which was challenging because it concentrates on regional events.”Key to the success of any local board is its relationship with councillors. Mr Kirikiri says while both Albany Ward councillors attended Area Plan workshops and some local board meetings, it would have been preferable to see more of them.“Both our councillors were distracted by things at a higher level, and often we went direct to the chief executives instead,” he says.He says the need to stretch limited funding has also been a challenge.We have had to look at a lot of cost savings and efficiencies, borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, but in doing so, we focused on the best outcome for the community.”“People feel the Coast has been an ATM machine for things that are going on in the city, but I think better things will come as a result of the work the local board has done in building relationships.”

How has Council amalgamation worked for you?


Say it to SayersGreg Sayers LOCAL BOARD

VOTEwww.gregsayers.co.nz

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Waitemata DHB / Auckland Councillor – RodneyIt has been my privilege to serve on the Rodney local Board and this last 3 years has convinced me that we are not being heard strongly enough! So I would love to step up and represent you to drive

further positive and lasting change in Local Government and within the Waitemata DHB for our area. With almost 40 years living in Warkworth and Rodney I am experienced; Local Government - Rodney Local Board Deputy Chair, Youth and education - Mahurangi College BOT last 7 years and

the aged care sector - 3 years establishing and setting up retirement village and care facility in Warkworth, and very involved within the community. Let me take this valuable and very relative

perspective along with my passion, energy, commitment and connections to represent you.

This election make your vote count and Vote for Steven Garner

Vote Steven Garner

Authorised by Steven Garner 471 Matakana Road WarkworthEnquiries and contributions welcome; PO Box 346 Warkworth.

Experience, committment, and common sense for families, ratepayers and businesses.

LISA WHYTE

Authorised by L.Whyte, 110 Attwood Road, Paremoremo.

✔

Client: Job no: Date: aCC Manager: SizeS:Julia Parfitt 112535 27/08/13 Mark 2400mm x 1200 mm landscape

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VOTEJulia Parfitt

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Local Elections

2013All Hibiscus Coast electors can vote for the Mayor, two Albany Ward councillors and four members of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast subdivision) as well as members of the Waitemata District Health Board (see p26). For more info, visit www.voteauckland.co.nz

Mayor (17 candidates for one position) Stephen Berry (Affordable Auckland) Penny Bright (Independent) Len Brown (Independent) Jesse Butler Tricia Cheel Paul Duffy Matthew Goode Emmett Hussey (Independent) Susanna Kruger (Independent) John Minto (Mana Movement) Phil O’Connor (Christians Against Abortion) John Palino (Independent) Reuben Shadbolt (Independent) Uesifili Unasa (Independent) Annalucia Vermunt (Communist League) David Willmott (Roads First) Wayne Young (Working for the Homeless)

Albany Ward (8 candidates for two positions) Mary-Anne Benson-Cooper (Independent) Tricia Cheel Kevin Moorhead (Independent) Julia Parfitt (Independent) Brent Robinson (Independent) Wayne Walker (Putting People First) John Watson (Putting People First) Lisa Whyte (Independent)

Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, Hibiscus Coast subdivision (11 candidates for four positions)

Mary-Anne Benson-Cooper (Independent) Simonne Dyer (Conservative) Janet Fitgerald (Independent) Saunil Hagler (People and Penlink First) Gaye Harding (Loving the Coast) Taila Johnston (Loving the Coast) Lovisa Kronqvist (People and Penlink First) Danny Mountain (Conservative) Greg Sayers (People and Penlink First) John Watson (People and Penlink First) Travis Wells-Lakeland (Independent)

Who is standing in Albany?4


Council Elections 2013 - Albany Ward


Wayne WalkerWayne Walker is a current Auckland Councillor and previous Rodney District Councillor (10 years). He has lived on the Hibiscus Coast for 30 years, raising a family on the Coast with wife Julie. He was the NZ champion in impromptu speaking for Toastmasters in 2011 and a previous finalist.What do you regard as your three most important achievements during the current term?I advocated successfully over a number of critical local issues including lowering high rise in Orewa and Browns Bay in line with residents’ wishes, getting a better deal for water tank people on their wastewater and preventing the sale of vital local assets like the Marina Land at Gulf Harbour and the Archers Block. As a Councillor I have led savings in energy, waste and transport across the organisation that this year saved $1.9 million in energy alone and can make huge ongoing savings across Auckland. I have also worked with landowners, community and Auckland Transport to fast-track the new motorway intersection into Silverdale North this year and the Curley Ave extension that will link to it and take traffic out of Silverdale.What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?Coping with growth and putting the infrastructure in place – especially transport. I am committed to a comprehensive plan and action across better, affordable bus and ferry services, roading links at Silverdale North, Penlink and widening the start of Whangaparaoa Road plus new walk and cycle ways.What other issues are you concerned about and what do you plan to do about them?

All candidates were provided with four questions. The candidates are listed in random order, drawn from a hat. Candidates not featured did not respond to the questions prior to our deadline.

I have been a strong advocate for quality, affordable and sustainable development that keeps Auckland’s and the Hibiscus Coast’s special qualities. I have championed sports and parks, heritage, fair funding across Auckland for arts, sports and community groups, a consistent approach to bylaws including dogs, fair rates charges, prudent financial management, a Seniors Advisory Panel and preserving our beaches and bush. I work tirelessly and with focus with others to make the right decisions whenever the opportunity arises and I work to create those opportunities through meeting agendas and getting local and regional support. I stick with issues and concerns, do my homework, come up with workable solutions and get them through.What skills can you bring to local body politics that other candidates can’t?I am up-to-speed and running on Auckland Council and local Albany Ward issues with a skill set that includes many successful results on a huge number of local and regional issues over decades. I have a Commerce degree in business, organisation and project management with practical experience in retail, water quality, manufacturing and design, extensive experience as a planning commissioner and wide community networks.

Lisa WhyteLisa Whyte has racked up a total of nine years’ experience in local government. Currently she works fulltime as a member of the Upper Harbour and Hibiscus and Bays local boards and she was previously a North Shore City councillor and sat on the Albany Community board. As an accountant, she says she brings commercial skills and financial responsibility to decision-making and as a parent she is committed to ensuring that community safety, open space and recreation needs are high priority.What do you regard as your three most important achievements during your current term?A move towards harmonisation of the services that each sub-division enjoys – providing the funding to allow a seven day library service, and a mobile library service to Stillwater from local board funds, and providing vital operational funding for Estuary Arts Centre to put them on a fair footing with other Arts centres. Also through the grants programme our local board has been able to support Centrestage among other groups. A huge amount of effort has gone into a local area plan that our community has worked with us on and feels ownership of.What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?Transport – major regional projects like the harbour crossing and Penlink are needed to unlock the economic potential of the Hibiscus Coast.What other issues are you concerned about and what do you plan to do about them?There is a need for fairness around the region of value received for rates contributed. We cannot change capital

rating, but we can amend the uniform annual charge to alter the spread of the rates burden more fairly. The new development contribution policy has a much lower requirement for reserve contributions. I will advocate for this to be remedied in order to maintain or improve the quality network of open space we enjoy as growth occurs. I will work with sports codes to optimise public and private investment in our sporting facilities – it is vital for young people to have access to sport and recreation. A better link is needed between ward councillors and local boards – in partnership we can create better outcomes for our community.What skills can you bring to local body politics that other candidates can’t?I bring passion and enthusiasm for our world-class lifestyle, along with relevant professional experience. As a working mother of three active children, multi-tasking and good organisation are essential skills I possess. I have good debating skills and will speak up for our community, and will not make promises I cannot keep. I commit to dealing in a fair, honest and transparent way with residents.

Lisa Whyte is standing for Auckland Council and for the Upper Harbour and Hibiscus & Bays Local Boards (Bays subdivision).



YOUR VOTE – YOUR COMMUNITYTricia CheelTricia Cheel has lived in Browns Bay for 35 years during which time she has been involved in many local, regional and national issues concerning health, environment, community, sustainability, heritage and transport. Since 1990, she has been the co-ordinator for Friends of Sherwood which aims to keep the neighbourhood as free as possible of toxic chemicals, waste and other pollution. She managed an Infrastructure Auckland grant to plant 2km of stream bank Integrated Organic Management Systems (IOMS) and in 1999 won a Health Industry Award for Distinguished Public Service.What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?The same issue that the whole of Auckland faces – trickle down ‘democracy’. Hibiscus Coasters should be telling Auckland Council what they want for their area, not have planners telling them what they’re going to get and pay for, as in the Unitary Plan. Democracy needs to come from the ground up, electing people who will truly represent the views of the local community.What other issues are you concerned about? What do you plan to do about them? Remove the burden of ballooning debt by applying IOMS across all council activities to find the best solutions, reduce waste, duplication of effort and cut costs, such as free and frequent buses and carpooling rather than more roads, pollution and debt. Rates should be affordable for everyone and Auckland needs to live within its means. Rates capped for those residents in the same property for 30-40 years so they can afford to stay in their community and registration reduced to bare minimum for good dog citizens after being trouble-free for seven years. Pressure

John WatsonJohn Watson is a current Hibiscus & Bays local board member and previously a Rodney District councillor. He has lived on the Coast with his family for 25 years, working as a secondary school teacher. John has led various local community and sporting organisations – previously captain of Hibiscus Coast Cricket club and Northcote Tigers Rugby League, coach of youth teams in rugby, cricket, league and basketball. He also serves as a board member on local Community Trust and Ratepayers’ Association. He has compiled a written and oral history of Whangaparaoa.What do you regard as your three most important achievements during your current term?Advancing the designation of the 23ha Archers Block as a public reserve, ensuring a chemical free spray option for the Hibiscus Coast, successfully pressurising Council to stop the sale of the Gulf Harbour Marina land, ensuring our Area Plan reflects the lifestyle of the Coast (not downtown Auckland) and does not include undue intensification or high rise. Lobbying Council for transport improvements to the Hibiscus Coast roading network, helping to force Watercare to acknowledge unfairness over rates and agree to water meters and highlighting public safety issues.What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?Ensuring good traffic flow around the Coast through Penlink, the new motorway intersection at Silverdale North, the widening of Whangaparaoa Rd and the Curley Ave extension. These separate but related projects will all combine to solve the Hibiscus Coast’s transport issues well into the future.What other issues are you concerned about and what do you plan to do about them?

the government to support the poor to buy their own houses with interest rates that mean they pay no more than what they already are in rent, already subsidised by government anyway but going straight to the pockets of the rich already cashing in on the property market. The Mayoral fund could be used to show how IOMS can be used for those at the bottom of the heap to transform their lives because the success of any society is not measured in the number of millionaires but by the happiness of its poorest citizens. Remove the burden of fluoride and other toxic chemicals.What skills can you offer that other candidates can’t?A unique combination of skills and hands-on experience arising from a long journey looking for answers. A proven commitment to keep on track no matter how many setbacks. The commonsense that comes from both rural and urban living.Name three things you want to achieve if elected.Restore the voice of the people with binding referenda. Remove the burden of debt and unaffordable rates through IOMS. Stop fluoride and other toxic chemicals being used so Auckland becomes as free as possible of toxic chemicals, waste and other pollution.

Addressing unfair wastewater charges (water meters should be installed free of charge), tightly controlled rates and reduced Council charges should be the consequence of the amalgamation. Eliminating the seven CCOs, which are an expensive and unnecessary additional layer of bureaucracy. Getting a fair share of Auckland’s new playing fields and community facilities. Water quality at beaches and streams to be maintained to the highest environmental standards. The acquisition of the Archer’s Block and the Hammerhead for use as public reserves is a top priority. Finally, the further linking up of Orewa, Whangaparaoa and Stillwater through walkways and cycleways.What skills can you bring to local body politics that other candidates can’t?Extensive knowledge of the Hibiscus Coast built up over many years leadership of local community and sporting organisations. Experience as a councillor and local board member. Tertiary qualifications (M.A Hons) and the character and resolve to stand up for people on the Caost with informed, determined and fair action. A proven track record of backing the local community to the hilt. Total independence.

Tricia Cheel is standing for Mayor, as a Councillor for Albany Ward and for the Waitemata District Health Board.

John Watson is standing for Auckland Council and for the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast subdivision).

VOTE Janet FitzgeraldHIBISCUS AND BAYS LOCAL BOARD (HIBISCUS COAST)WAITEMATA DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD - INDEPENDANT

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔EXPERIENCED EFFICIENT ENTHUSIASTIC ENERGETIC

VOTEHIBISCUS AND BAYS LOCAL BOARD (HIBISCUS COAST)WAITEMATA DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD - INDEPENDANT

✔✔✔✔✔✔✔✔

www.facebook.com/janet.fi tzgerald.hbc | Phone 424 5242 | Mobile 021 125 2022

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YOUR VOTE – YOUR COMMUNITYJulia ParfittJulia Parfitt is passionate about our ward, which is where she was born and raised her family. She is currently the local board chair and also a Justice of the Peace. A former teacher, she now serves on the Northcross Intermediate Board of Trustees. She is also a former councillor and a previous electoral college member of the Auckland Museum and Motat, Watercare and the Regional Land Transport Committee.What do you regard as your three most important achievements during your current term?Bringing together local board members who had straddled two former council areas, to work positively as a strong cohesive unit to represent the people of our local board area. Harmonising our two divisions so that we have common, consistent levels of service. This has meant improved levels of service locally such as the 7 day a week library service. Managing to get Auckland Transport to fund and recognise the importance of the vital transport infrastructure links missing in the Hibiscus subdivision such as Penlink, the extension of East Coast Rd to Curley Ave and the Wainui motorway ramps. Without these long overdue links we will not cope with the growth that Council has planned.What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?Managing growth so that coastal village character is not lost. If we do not manage growth carefully we could spoil the very qualities that attracted us to the area in the first place We must promote policies that encourage development that is sustainable and creates communities with heart or enhances existing communities.What other issues are you concerned about and what do you plan to do about them?Getting a fairer distribution of rates back to our area. While we have the highest growth planned of any local

board, we have the lowest per capita funding. This needs to change if we are to provide the essential infrastructure our ward needs to thrive and keep pace with development. Next year’s Long Term Plan review would give me the opportunity to work towards this. Creating greater efficiencies within Council and demanding value for ratepayers’ funding. Improving service delivery. Ensuring that Auckland Transport and Watercare Services are more accountable. Their Statements of Intent need to be altered to require genuine consultation with the communities they affect. I support the merging of other CCOs or bringing their activities back under the direct control of Council. I want a Council that actually listens to your concerns; the Unitary Plan process illustrated how out of step Council is with what people think.What skills can you bring to local body politics that other candidates can’t?I am hard working and have proven experience of delivering positive outcomes for the people I have represented as a long serving local body representative. If elected, I promise I will listen to you and work hard within Council and in our wider communities. Be assured I will ask the hard questions and raise issues on your behalf.

Julia Parfitt is standing for Auckland Council and for the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board (Bays subdivision).

Brent RobinsonBrent Robinson grew up in the Wairarapa, and settled on the Coast with his wife Dee. He is a family man, businessman, School Trustee and has lived, worked and served in the community for 14 years. Brent is also a keen spear fisherman, and when not in the water, is Managing Director of an accounting and project management firm, specialising in the NZ health sector.What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?There is currently a lack of strong local representation on Auckland Council. This is evident in clogged roads, cracked paving, and lack of local investment by Auckland Council in our Coast communities. It’s not about Queen Street, it’s about our street. And frankly we deserve better. I will advocate for Council to support our families, businesses and community groups, towards realising their dreams. What other issues are you concerned about? What do you plan to do about them?We must bring financial accountability to Council. The Super City concept was sold on the basis of improved efficiencies and Council cost reduction. This has not happened. Instead we have seen increasing council staff levels, increased spend on non-core activities, ballooning council and public debt – increasing by $1 billion per year. As a Councillor I will seek to implement a bottom up budgeting process to control operational costs, spend money on core services and reduce spend elsewhere. Coupled with this, we have had little investment in the infrastructure (for example improved transport and storm/waste water facilities). We must continue to address the issues of population growth and housing affordability. The draft Unitary Plan sought to address these issues, but it is incomplete and

has only divided our community. If elected I will seek to ensure a detailed local plan is developed, encompassing a collaborative community-led approach with true input from residents, ratepayers and developers. This plan needs to cater for continuing population increases, while protecting our unique living environment.What skills can you offer that other candidates can’t?First and foremost I am not a politician. I simply seek to use my business and community leadership skills to represent our community at the Council table. I have extensive business experience. I have consulted as an accountant internationally and have led a team of accountants and project managers working in large public organisations. I know how to work alongside public officials to bring change, and efficiencies. I seek to engage community and colleagues, and my door is always open. I believe in common courtesies. I will return messages, and reply to emails. I commit to having regular ‘meet your Councillor’ clinics.Name three things you want to achieve if you are elected.1 A strong local voice at the Council table. 2 Financial accountability – Council must be held to account for every ratepayer’s dollar spent. 3 Community led development – working together for Auckland’s progress, while preserving our unique way of life.

Authorised by N. Heslop, 5 Triton Dr. Albany

for the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.

Danny Mountainfor the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. Vote

Standing up for you & your families in Hibiscus Coast

✔


Greg SayersGreg Sayers is a third generation local and has had strong personal ties with the area for more than 47 years. He holds a Bachelor of

Science and an NZIM Management diploma. Greg is a keen fisherman and boatie as well as a company chairman.What do you regard as your three most important achievements during your current term?Having the energy and determination to go out and find firms to build Penlink. This was my promise to voters when I was elected, and if re-elected I will continue to champion Penlink. I have also been readily available to people and have listened to and solved the numerous issues they have presented to me.What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?Traffic congestion due to building intensification. Our roading, bus services and ferry services all need immediate improvement. What other issues are you concerned about and want do you plan to do about them?Local rates must be spent locally. Also local contracts should be being given to local contractors. Policy must be changed to reflect this. I will fight to get these policies changed. Also I want to see rate increases capped. What skills can you offer?I’m an experienced chairman of international companies. I am fully accessible to all residents. Importantly I have strong governance experience and can deliver on my promises.

Travis Wells-LakelandTravis Wells-Lakeland has been a missionary serving in Christchurch, and has coached sports teams, represented large groups

of young adults and been a church leader, volunteered for charities and currently works in disability support. What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?Better communication. Local knowledge on decisions being made is not where it should be. As your board member I will be in the community discussing local issues with you.What other issues are you concerned about and what do you plan to do about it?We need a plan and direction to accommodate growth: a plan for transport issues, business growth, urban development and environmental maintenance. Everyone in the community needs to be part of that plan. What skills can you offer?To represent you, I must first know you. Experience advocating for many different groups has taught me that. I will actively seek your opinion and consult you on issues before decisions are made.Name three things you want to achieve if you are elected.People need to know what is going on and that their opinions matter. Motivating our younger voters to take an interest in local affairs. With so much growth and development going on around us it is vital to ensure that we don’t sacrifice the very thing that makes living here so wonderful.

Hibiscus & Bays Local Board - Hibiscus Coast Division

YOUR VOTE – YOUR COMMUNITYGaye Harding

Gaye Harding’s family have lived on the Coast for more than 20 years. She has been involved in schools, sports clubs, water activities, fishing, the

performing arts and various community groups. She has more than 15 years of relevant Local Government experience as a councillor and local board member.What do you regard as your three most important achievements during your current term?As a Local Board we formed strong working relationships with the governing body and CCOs and worked closely with our communities on the Local Board Plan and Area plans. Metro-Park, Park ‘n’ Ride, Orewa cycle/walkway, beach pontoons, community halls and new playgrounds are among the projects I have been involved with. What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?Maintaining our coastal village lifestyle. We have a high level of service delivery for our libraries, parks, sports fields, playgrounds and public toilets. I want to keep it that way.What other issues are you concerned about and what do you plan to do about them?Keeping Penlink in all plans and the importance of this project as a priority. What skills can you offer?I have served as a Commissioner on the Hearings Panel, and chair of three local board committees. I am a lateral thinker, flexible, fair and have a proven track record of debating forcefully with passion if need be.

Lovisa KronqvistLovisa was raised on the Coast, a foundation member of Gulf Harbour School. She is a church youth leader and helps others through

voluntary work. She enjoys snowboarding, netball and tennis as well as spending time with family.What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?Getting the local board to really connect with people on the Coast and to be more proactive in representing their interests in Council.What other issues are you concerned about and what do you plan to do about them?The ones that spring to mind are better transport connections around the Coast, more facilities to engage our youth and looking after our coastal environment. With a united team working together we could actually get these things done.What skills can you offer?I have a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations and would use this background to keep residents better informed about Council. I want to communicate what’s happening and get young people engaged. I have strong values, am reliable and honest, the community can trust me.Name three things you want to achieve if you are elected.1 Smarter transport planning with more frequent and cheaper bus and ferry fares. 2 More activities for youth. 3. More support for local clubs – help them help the community.

Greg Sayers

Saunil Hagler

John Watson

Lovisa Kronqvist

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

HIBISCUS COAST Local Boardwww.PeopleandPenlinkFirst.co.nz

Authorised by A J Sayers,

31 Arkles Strand, Arkles Bay.

Ph: 021 285 9900

People & Penlink First

The People and Penlink First team combines experience and youth. Together they bring new perspectives, skills and determination to get the best for the HBC in this new Auckland Council.

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YOUR VOTE – YOUR COMMUNITYTaila Johnston

Taila Johnston’s family moved to the Hibiscus Coast 11 years ago. He started the Clean Coast Facebook group to protect the region’s beaches

and encourage youth to appreciate and participate in their community.What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?The increasing costs of Council. In the next decade the ratepayer’s debt will be above $12.4 billion. This will affect everyone. I am no financial expert, but I am here to listen and learn about the best solutions to get us out of this financial hole. First lesson in getting out of a hole – stop digging.What other issues are you concerned about and what do you plan to do about it? Engaging a younger, wider and more diverse range of people in shaping our local board decisions. I also want to see more art around the Coast and local bands playing in entertainment areas like Gulf Harbour and the Plaza to build more of an atmosphere. What skills can you offer?

Simonne DyerSimonne Dyer has experience interacting with people, problem solving and managing crises. She was a pastor and is the Board Chair

of a charitable organisation, a Neighbourhood Support coordinator and the secretary of Grey Power.What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast? The amount of debt incurred by the Council and the major borrowing proposed in current forward planning. What other issues are you concerned about and what do you plan to do about them?Our rates need to be spent locally. Local contractors need to be given the local maintenance work contracts. Penlink needs to go ahead in a public/private partnership. These issues can only be advanced by strong advocacy.What skills can you offer?I have lived on the Hibiscus Coast for 14 years and with my background in management, conflict resolution teaching and experience on several boards in NZ and internationally, can

I have youthful enthusiasm and an abundance of energy. I’m a candidate that keeps it real, is down to earth and very approachable. I am a critical thinker and computer science geek who has a broad understanding of how technology is changing our lives, and the direction it is steering us towards in the future. Name three things you want to achieve if you are elected.There needs to be more fresh thinking around the decision making table, especially around financial transparency. It is essential that a good role model for the younger generation is seen to be advocating for their future. I support Penlink, at no cost to ratepayers, because it unlocks economic potential. I want to protect and maintain our coastal lifestyle.

Janet FitzgeraldJanet Fitzerald describes herself as a ‘people person’ who has lived on the Coast her whole life and can relate to the Hibiscus Coast community.

She is prepared to fight hard on issues that affect the community and will

VOTE

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John Watson WayneWalker &VOTE

for AUCKLAND COUNCIL Albany WardWayne Walker and John Watson are your local candidates for Auckland Council. They live, work, play and raised their families locally. In this election your vote will help put both of them on the Auckland Council. Your vote really does matter for the Hibiscus Coast.

In the first term of the new Auckland Council Wayne Walker has battled tirelessly as one of the two Albany Ward councillors to get a fair deal for the Hibiscus Coast and the Albany Ward as a whole:

• For low rise rather than high rise for Orewa, Whangaparaoa and Browns Bay

• More bus and ferry services, Park & Ride Stage 1 and later this year Stage 2

• Less traffic congestion through Silverdale and Whangaparaoa with the new Silverdale motorway intersection at Wainui linked to Curley Road

• Comprehensive travel studies for Silverdale and a new business case for Penlink

• Fairer and improved funding for local sport, art, leisure and community facilities

• Fairer wastewater charges – especially for residents on tank water

• And much more! With Wayne – and John – on the Auckland Council we can really make the Supercity work much more for us.

work cooperatively with fellow Board members. She is prepared to listen to the other side of the story and change her mind if she believes it is in the best interests of the community.What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?Getting a fair share of the ‘cake’. At present we are not. What other issues are you concerned about and what do you plan to do about them? Maintenance of our assets and improving infrastructure. There has been little of either in the past three years. I’ll do my homework, I’ll consult with members of the community and I’ll work with other Local Board members to achieve the desired results.What skills can you offer? Experience lobbying for Penlink as part of the Penlink Now team. Also empathy, negotiating skills and time as a Councillor with the Rodney District Council.Name three things you want to achieve if you are elected1. Penlink 2. Encouraging business development and thus improving the economy of the Hibiscus Coast and creating employment. 3. Actions that will make the Hibiscus Coast a desirable place in which to live, work and play.




Saunil HaglerSaunil Hagler is a science teacher and IT coordinator. He’s active on the Coast as vice-president and board member of two community organisations

and coaches youth sports teams.What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?Transport – Penlink is a priority; I will proactively find private partners that will fund the bridge. I also want other roading projects advanced as more land is developed. Widening Whangaparaoa Rd, the motorway intersection at Wainui and the Curley Ave extension are key priorities.What other issues are you concerned

Danny MountainDanny Mountain (31) has lived in Rodney since he was a child and knows the area well. He is married, with a child on the way and owns

HARDING: GAYE“Experienced Voice”✔

JOHNSTON: TAILA“Fresh Voice”✔

TWO VOTES

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board

“Loving the Coast”Authorised by John Kirikiri 4 Tiri Road Little Manly Auckland 0930

about and what do you plan to do about them?Playing fields and reserves: I will fight to turn the 23ha of land bordering the Weiti River into a public reserve. I will advocate for better lighting and footpaths and appropriate liquor bans. No set netting on Coast beaches and no unwanted high rises. Let’s develop a knowledge economy zone and precinct plans that develop new businesses and revitalise what’s there. What skills can you offer?Having worked as a secondary teachers’ representative, supporting teachers to achieve improved educational conditions for teachers and students, I know how to stand up for people. Name three things you want to achieve if you are elected.Better transport, safe, attractive communities, and more businesses and jobs.

and operates a small business. What is the single most important issue facing the Hibiscus Coast?Representation. Having been lumped into a Super City we need to make sure the bureaucrats do what we, the ratepayers, want done with our money. To me, every other issue is secondary. What other issues are you concerned about and what do you plan to do about them? The borrowing of the Auckland Council is out of control. With 20-25 percent of all money collected going to servicing debt, and more borrowing intended, we are putting ourselves, and our children, in a precarious position financially. Whilst the Local Board’s power is limited, I will be jumping up and down saying this is unacceptable and unwise.What skills can you offer?I run a business, I employ people, I understand how money works; managed well, it can return freedom and growth, mismanaged, it can be a noose around our necks. I’m old enough to have some life experience and young enough to have some fire in my belly to fight for what’s right. Name three things you want to achieve if you are elected.Keep our money in our local community. Reduce the debt. Lower rates. It’s high time our rates were linked to the CPI.

offer a wealth of experience.Name three things you want to achieve if elected.Encourage the development of a vibrant community where issues are discussed, solutions agreed on and a strong Local Board to push them through. Hold Council accountable to the ratepayers on the Hibiscus Coast. Be available to all residents.

BRIEFSCandidates front up againTwo more Meet the Candidates meetings were held last weekend by local ratepayers and residents associations. Both Orewa Ratepayers & Residents Association and Whangaparaoa Resident & Ratepayers provided a chance for candidates to put their case for election, on Sunday, September 15. For full coverage of the meeting hosted by Orewa Ratepayers & Residents, which was attended by mayoral candidates Len Brown and John Palino, as well as council and local board candidates, visit www.localmatters.co.nz

Key datesSept 20–25 Voting documents delivered • Oct 9 Final date to post votes to guarantee delivery • Oct 12 Election day – voting closes at noon • Oct 17–23 Declaration of results

Election coverage online Keep abreast of candidates’ electioneering throughout the Hibiscus Coast and Rodney regions. Our website is being constantly updated with relevant information, and coverage of local events. Visit www.localmatters.co.nz

Defining politicsPolitics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies. Groucho Marx

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