Costly review our only hope for better democracy?
Auckland Council governance is a shambles, if we have to pay to properly understand it then let's get it done. But I worry that this will just generate an expensive, glossy report that achieves nothing.
Auckland Council agency review: Consultants on up to $350 an hour - Stuff
Auckland Council governance is a shambles, if we have to pay to properly understand it then let's get it done. But I worry that this will just generate an expensive, glossy report that achieves nothing.
Any changes will likely need government support as the structure of Auckland Council (including the CCOs) is determined by an Act of parliament. this will also need councillor backing and already there are divisions. Even more important is that the public are heard and listened to, not just the noisy few.
I agree with Cr Chris Darby that this is a missed opportunity for a wider review of the governance model for our largest city.
Campaign donation and expenses return filed
Last Friday was the deadline for all candidates to complete their donations and expenses return. Every election (local and central) requires candidates to declare how they raised their funds and where it was spent
Last Friday was the deadline for all candidates to complete their donations and expenses return. Every election (local and central) requires candidates to declare how they raised their funds and where it was spent.
These will be published on the Auckland Council website but the website isn't the most user friendly, so to help support better transparency here's my return in full.
Unlike certain mayoral candidates, I didn't receive any large donations from trusts. However I did receive donations from some very generous locals but nothing over the $1500 required to declare. The majority of my campaign was funded by my own personal savings. I had money saved up from a house sale intended to be a house deposit but after three elections in three years its mostly spent.
My expenses are spread between traditional channels and social media with nearly a quarter on newspaper advertising and nearly 20% on printed media (although this includes delivery). I budgeted to spend more on social media but because of the way they charge (based on interactions), I didn't spend as much as I thought. The tiny spend on Twitter was an experiment that didn't last (and won't be repeated, even before political adverts were banned).
What this return doesn't show is the countless hours of work put in by me and others who generously volunteered their time. Thank you again for giving up your time, your fences and your skills.
In the spirit of transparency, happy to answer any questions anyone has about my donations or expenses.
Howick Santa Parade a huge success!
Another fantastic Howick Santa Parade! Third biggest in Australasia and this year was better than ever!
Another fantastic Howick Santa Parade! Third biggest in Australasia and this year was better than ever!
Huge effort, good fun to be a small part of it leading our amazing team of volunteers. Thank you to everyone, especially Bo and Pip Burns for an awesome community day! 🎄
And the rain held out!
Congratulations to the Howick Local Board members
Congratulations to the new and re-elected members of the Howick Local Board. I'm thrilled to see that the Local Board has retained much of its experience while also gaining some new blood.
Congratulations to the new and re-elected members of the Howick Local Board. I'm thrilled to see that the Local Board has retained much of its experience while also gaining some new blood.
Howick Subdivision
Adele White (re-elected)
John Spiller (re-elected)
Bo Burns (new member)
Botany Subdivision
Mike Turinsky (re-elected)
Bob Wichman (re-elected)
Peter Young (re-elected
Pakuranga subdivision
David Collings (re-elected)
Katrina Bungard (re-elected)
Bruce Kendall (new member)
Jim Donald and Garry Boles were not re-elected and I want to thank them both for their service to our community, not just on the Board but in other roles. I'm sure we'll still see them both around the community.
I know that new members Bo Burns and Bruce Kendall will bring fresh ideas to the Board along with the determination to see them delivered.
I'm looking forward to seeing the new Board get underway and working with them on the issues facing our community. Lots of promises were made during the election, it's time to deliver.
Thank you East Auckland
I want to thank everyone who voted for me, regardless of the outcome I appreciate your support and the trust you have placed in me. Thank you everyone who helped during the campaign, your support made it all possible.
Firstly I want to thank everyone who voted for me, regardless of the outcome I appreciate your support and the trust you have placed in me. Thank you everyone who helped during the campaign, your support made it all possible.
I'm obviously disappointed in the results, I'd hoped to have the privilege of representing our community at Council but it was not to be.
Congratulations to both Sharon Stewart and Paul Young on being re-elected to council. As our area continues to suffer growing pains, we need councillors who will ensure that our community and its people are heard - it's up to you to ensure that we get what we need.
Commiserations to fellow candidates David Collings and Tofik Mamedov. I know how much time, money and effort goes into a campaign but you should be proud for standing up for your community. Kia kaha.
This isn't the end for me - I'll continue to be heavily involved in my community, lending a helping hand where I can. I return to an awesome job, working with great people. I'll continue to be a strong advocate for our area and do what I can to hold our representatives and council to account. And there's another election in three years...
Vote to ensure your voice is heard
With less than a week left, just under 17,000 locals of Howick Ward have voted. If you haven't, please make sure you do!
With less than a week left, just under 17,000 locals of Howick Ward have voted. If you haven't, please make sure you do!
If you don't have your voting papers, you can cast a special vote.
☑️ Howick Library
☑️ Botany Night Market
☑️ Manukau Service Centre
https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/elections/information-for-voters/Pages/where-cast-special-vote.aspx
We painted the town red!
We pained the town red! Well, the bins anyway.
We pained the town red! Well, the bins anyway.
Saturday afternoon over 80 volunteers came together to help give the Howick Village a makeover, cleaning up rubbish, painting bins and fences and tidying up the gardens.
Awesome work everyone!
Local businesses essential to East Auckland
Did you know that the 2,000 businesses in East Tamaki employ 30,000 people and contributes $3 billion to New Zealand's economy?
Did you know that the 2,000 businesses in East Tamaki employ 30,000 people and contributes $3 billion to New Zealand's economy.
This massive growth is partly thanks to the great work by the Greater East Tāmaki Business Association (GETBA).
This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with their General Manager Jane Tongatule to discuss the challenges and opportunities that their organisation and members face.
Jane and her team do a fantastic job of supporting the members and advocating on their behalf. Lots of great improvements thanks to their hard work but always more that Council can do better to help support this essential commercial and industrial area.
Climate action needed now
"John Mauro said the council and community needed courage and ambition to make better progress, but there was a trend towards "show-ponying"." - Stuff
Auckland Council’s departing sustainability officer has some hard truths about the lack of action on climate change.
"John Mauro said the council and community needed courage and ambition to make better progress, but there was a trend towards "show-ponying"." - Stuff
It was great to get the declaration of an emergency but we need to do something. We don't have the time or money to waste - we need real Climate Action now. Another six years of buying diesel buses is worse than inaction, it's creating more emissions and pollution.
Auckland Council must direct Auckland Transport and all the Council Controlled Organisations to present realistic, practical but ambitious plans to address climate change (both mitigation and adaption) and then make them happen.
Delays to Eastern Busway and Reeves Road flyover shows lack of governance
I’m very disappointed to hear there is more delays to the Eastern Busway project. This transformational project will be great for East Auckland, but is taking too long to deliver.
I’m very disappointed to hear there is more delays to the Eastern Busway project. This transformational project will be great for East Auckland, but is taking too long to deliver. Another 6 years until it's "complete" is too long and doesn't include the Botany bus station which is already overloaded.
I have concerns about the visual impact of the flyover, but I've seen some good examples of these done well in Melbourne so I'm hopeful we can get this right. Regardless, it's an essential part of improving traffic flow including ensuring a congestion free busway.
The lack of communication from Auckland Council and Auckland Transport is disappointing. They know this is a critical project for the area but there hasn't been an update in months.
We need strong oversight over these infrastructure projects and this is clearly lacking.
Quiz night to support the Howick Santa Parade
Awesome night at the Santa Quiz, fund raising for the Howick Santa Parade. Very competitive teams but thanks to the incredible knowledge of my friends we managed to place second!
Awesome night at the Santa Quiz, fund raising for the Howick Santa Parade. Very competitive teams but thanks to the incredible knowledge of my friends we managed to place second!
Great fun and all for a good cause - the Howick Santa Parade is the third largest in Australasia and second largest in Auckland. Attracting over 50,000 people, its an amazing community event that cannot be missed.
The Howick Local Board funds some of the costs but its expensive putting on such a huge event. Pleased to be able to help raise money to support this iconic local event.
Check out their website for more support options.
To T2 or not t2
T2 or not T2, that's seems to be the question that many are asking in East Auckland.
T2 or not T2, that's seems to be the question that many are asking in East Auckland.
It's been a few weeks since the newest T2 and bus lane opened in Auckland, down part of Pakuranga Road. This was deemed necessary to reduce the traffic heading to Panmure while the new Eastern Busway is built. This massive infrastructure project will be transformational for East Auckland but its also very disruptive during the build. Auckland Transport (AT) need to reduce the traffic by 10%or 800 cars to make it possible and the transit lane is part of this.
Transit lanes can be highly effective - the T3 lane on Ōnewa Road is believed to carry more than 80% of people during peak. This isn't always obvious to the observer as it has less vehicles (each carrying more). I used to live nearby and used this for years. It was a pain if you needed to drive solo but if you carpooled or bused, it was brilliant. It forced locals to rethink their behaviour and for the most part it worked. As our population grows we need solutions other than more roads, we simply cannot all fit.
I know that public transport isn't what it should be, but let's focus on making it work. Let's fix the reliability problems - helped by dedicated bus lanes that allow them to miss congestion. I know that public transport and carpooling won't work for everyone, but if more of us do it then it leaves space for those that can't.
The local MP has launched a petition calling for its removal and he's been joined by both local councillors. He's also asking for the Reeves Road Flyover to be built, which is still part of the plan. There does seem to be some shift in the delivery dates for the flyover of the project and I've asked AT what this means.
My view is that we need to wait for more information before making a decision. I appreciate that this isn't much help for this sitting in traffic and I feel your pain. I sit in traffic along Ti Rākau every morning, despite starting earlier and earlier. I'm rethinking my travel plan to use public transport more often, but I'll still get stuck in traffic.
I don't for a moment think the T2 is perfect - there's plenty of issues being reported especially on the intersections of Gossamer and Cascades. Issues getting across lanes and merging safely, issues with traffic blocking crossings and bad driving behaviours. Some of these should be addressed by AT and at last nights local board meeting AT promised to provide a summary of the issues and actions underway.
We need to give it some time. Time for the new park and ride that only began this week to take affect. Time for people to adjust to the advantages of carpooling. Time for AT to sort out the issues like Gossamer and Cascades.
Let's keep the constructive criticism of the T2 Lane coming through to AT and give them time to resolve it. Not months, but a few more weeks.
We need to build safer roads for everyone. With urgency.
There are too many near misses, serious injures and deaths on our roads. Children are scared to walk or cycle to school. This has to change - we need to build more physically separate cycle and walkways across Auckland now. As Emma McInnes says in this piece, with urgency.
There are too many near misses, serious injures and deaths on our roads. Children are scared to walk or cycle to school.
This has to change - we need to build more physically separate cycle and walkways across Auckland now. As Emma McInnes says in this piece, with urgency.
We've invested in cycling infrastructure and the usage has grown considerably. This shouldn't be a surprise when 1 in 4 Aucklanders cycle, it's a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative. And despite the noise from some, cycle-ways are relatively cheap to maintain.
I've had the pleasure of walking and driving in cities overseas that have done protected cycling well. Even if you don't get on a bike, the investment in making people safe makes the entire experience more enjoyable.
It doesn't need to be expensive, plenty of options for separate lanes without massive price tags. But let's not do a classic Auckland & under invest in our future. There are plenty of studies that show return on investment is significant & wide ranging.
Auckland is growing fast and we have the opportunity to become a city that puts people first, not vehicles. We can create a transport system that delivers real choice, with safe, affordable options for everyone. Part of that means safe cycling infrastructure.
I've advocated for a fairer transport system for over a decade. If elected to council, I will make sure council takes action to make our streets and our people safer. With urgency.
Our council needs to listen so I'm here to hear your questions and concerns
We deserve a council that listens to the people, so as a candidate I'm making sure I'm available to hear your concerns and dreams for our city.
We deserve a council that listens to the people, so as a candidate I'm making sure I'm available to hear your concerns and dreams for our city.
I'm attending events, knocking on doors and always available to talk. I'm also hosting a series of informal events across East Auckland where anyone can come along for a chat, ask questions and discuss what you want from council.
There's no need to book an appointment and there will be light refreshments available so drop in for a coffee and a chat.
If elected, I commit to continuing these on a regular basis to ensure that your voice is heard at council.
Howick Library
Te Tuhi Pakuranga
Ormiston Activity Centre
Bucklands and Eastern Beaches Memorial Hall
Botany location TBC
Sunday 11 Aug 2-4pm
Sunday 08 Sep 2-4pm
Community planting day a success
Another fantastic community planting day, this time at Ōhuiarangi / Pigeon Mountain. Great turnout with families, the Scouts and other groups helping out too.
This weekend was another fantastic community planting day, this time at Ōhuiarangi / Pigeon Mountain. We had a great turnout with families, the Scouts and other groups helping out .
There's 30,000 natives going into this area with locals schools getting involved, all organised by the Tīpuna Maunga Authority. We planted around 7,000 in a few hours but plenty more to do. There's another planting next week so get along!
Cockle Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association planning another busy year
Residents associations play a really important role in ensuring that locals are informed and have a voice. The Cockle Bay Residents and Rate Payers Association have had a very busy year which they celebrated their AGM on Saturday 27 July and I was pleased to attend.
Residents associations play a really important role in ensuring that locals are informed and have a voice. The Cockle Bay Residents and Rate Payers Association have had a very busy year which they celebrated their AGM on Saturday 27 July and I was pleased to attend.
They've been working hard to challenge the huge development planned for Sandspit Road which had helped get the Howick Local Board onside. They're looking towards another busy year working to resolve issues with Cockle Bay including ensuring we don't loose the cockles that give the area its name.
Special speaker for the AGM was Councillor Christine Fletcher who was standing in for mayoral candidate John Tamihere who wasn't able to make it.
My campaign video
I’ve launched my campaign video - a quick explanation of why I’m standing, what my priorities are and how my skills and experience will help make them happen.
I’ve launched my campaign video - a quick explanation of why I’m standing, what my priorities are and how my skills and experience will help make them happen.
Thefts from vehicles still on the increase
Last night was a wild and windy night for Botany Crime Watch Patrol. I saw this story in the Times just before we went out to help the police and our community.
Last night was a wild and windy night for Botany Crime Watch Patrol. I saw this story in the Times just before we went out to help the police and our community.
“The good news is robberies in the area are down 11 per cent over the past 12 months.
The bad news is thefts from vehicles, particularly those on driveways – known as non-dwelling burglaries, are uncomfortably high.
Counties Manukau East Police’s Area Commander Inspector Wendy Spiller told the Times that while robberies were down significantly across the area and the whole of the Counties Manukau District, thefts from vehicles have been increasing year-on-year.
Alarmingly, nearly 40 per cent of burglaries are from vehicles, many of which are unlocked and parked in residential driveways.”
The sad reality is that our community isn't as safe as it should be and we need to take precautions. Unfortunately vehicles are an easy target, especially when parked on the road. If possible make sure you don't leave anything that looks valuable in the vehicle, although I know this isn't always practical (especially for tradies).
We're fortunate to be renting a place with a garage which fits our cars but not everyone has that option. Ensuring the street lights are working will help, although some crimes happen during the day as the criminals get more brazen.
Talk to your neighbours and look out for each other. We make sure our neighbours know when we go away and it's a huge relief knowing someone is keeping an eye on the place.
If you're keen to get more involved, consider volunteering for your local community patrol. It doesn't take much but the more people who help, the more eyes and ears in the community, working alongside the police to prevent crime from happening.
Howick Youth Council continues to show leadership and action
Howick Youth Council recently held their annual youth summit, bringing over a hundred young people from 9 schools together to understand the issues that are important to them.
Howick Youth Council recently held their annual youth summit, bringing over a hundred young people from 9 schools together to understand the issues that are important to them.
Howick Youth Council do an incredible job representing the young people of East Auckland. Some people have criticised youth councils as tokenism or sidelining younger people, but Howick Youth Council has proven they can be effective and empowering.
Over the past few years I've seen them go from strength to strength, building on each years success. Already this year they've delivered a wide range of events and advocated on behalf of young people across East Auckland.
Keep up the awesome work!
Our environment needs action at all levels
There’s definitely an appetite to do more for the environment. Over the weekend we had a number of events focused on the environment with Howick holding its first Ecoday event on Saturday, followed by tree planting with Macleans College and then Bucklands Beach clean up on Sunday with the Howick Youth Council.
Today marks the first day of a new government mandated ban on single use plastic bags. It's been a while since the supermarkets phased them out and everyone has adapted, even if remembering the reusable bags is a challenge! However plastic bags only represent a very small amount (~0.01% ) of the 1.6 million tonnes rubbish that ends up in landfill every year and while I fully support the end of single use plastic bags, we’ve got a lot more to do.
There’s definitely an appetite to do more for the environment. Over the weekend we had a number of events focused on the environment with Howick holding its first Ecoday event on Saturday, followed by tree planting with Macleans College and then Bucklands Beach clean up on Sunday with the Howick Youth Council. All events were well attended showing the keen interest that East Aucklanders have for our environment which is great.
It’s fantastic to see that locals are keen but we need urgent action by council or our efforts are at risk of being washed away.
We need to invest heavily into water infrastructure to reduce flooding and pollution. The pipes in the older parts of East Auckland such as Howick, Pakuranga and Cockle Bay are struggling to cope with current demand, with overflows not uncommon. As housing continues to intensify, we urgently need to ensure we can meet current and future demands. The work being done to understand the current network is good but needs to be done across the region and much faster.
Last month Auckland Council declared an climate emergency which was another great start but we urgently need action. This means reducing our emissions and for Auckland 40% of these come from transport. While the transition to electric vehicles will help, we cannot all fit on the road. Public transport and active modes such as cycling and walking are essential to reducing our impact on the environment. But they need to be realistic options - reliable, affordable and accessible. Projects like the Eastern Busway can help transform our area, but much more needs to happen to ensure it delivers for more.
I’m pleased to see that soft plastic recycling is back and the government is investing $40m into waste minimisation innovation but we need to do more to reduce the waste being generated in the first place. Strong product stewardship is key to this, ensuring that those producing the waste are required to ensure it’s sensible disposal. We all have personal responsibility but we also need industry to get up to speed.
I want to see a council that leads the way, supporting local community efforts across the city backed up by meaningful action by Council that will ensure that our environment is looked after for future generations.