Kia ora tātou! I believe that I am the fresh talent Auckland needs to move forward.

I believe Auckland’s diversity is our greatest asset and I am committed to representing our diversity on the Waitemāta local board. We need decision makers who are committed to listening to the diverse communities they represent, facilitating opportunities for engagement ensuring transparency and accountability and representing tangata whenua aspirations. I am the local independent voice for the Waitemāta ward, ready to hear your ideas for Auckland’s future.

Contact me @ annaelainebooth@gmail.com

Top 5 Issues

1. POWER TO THE PEOPLE
   All Aucklanders' interests aren't limited to the boundaries of their wards, demarcated in Wellington but it is fair to say that the wider population has a particular interest in what goes on in the heart of our city which for residents of the Waitemāta board also happens to be home. I'm committed to listening to our community and ensuring that our views are heard by council. I intend to build a close relationship with the councillor elected to represent the Waitemāta Ward to promote accountability and will be keeping a close eye on council to make sure that events like the 2011 World Cup aren't used as an excuse to fast track decision making without due consultation.
   Power to the people means power to all people, not just those with the loudest voices. I will be making a conscious effort to engage with as many of the diverse communities Waitemāta is home to, as I can.
   
2. TANGATA WHENUA
   Central government has left a lot of space for ambiguity when it comes to determining local government's obligations to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Statutes state that local governments, 'shall take into account' and 'have particular regard to,' principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. This means that the onus is on individual councils to determine the level of engagement they undertake with local hapu and iwi.
   I firmly believe that tangata whenua have a right to determine the direction this city takes and be involved in decision making from start to finish.
   
3. TRANSPORT
   I don't own a car, I never have. I own a bicycle, his name is Rhett. And he gets me from A to Z and everywhere in between, whether that be to the supermarket downtown or along the North Western cycle way to my friend's place in Massey.
   If elected to the Waitemāta Local Board I will be proposing a policy whereby all new road projects and upgrades to existing roads will accommodate a designated cycle lane. I also plan to work with real life cyclists and transport planners and take a strategic approach to extending our fragmented and minimal existing cycleway network.
   Auckland, with its beautiful vistas is a great place to cycle. My favourite ride in Auckland is to go from my place in Grafton, downtown, around the marina, under the harbour bridge, up through Herne Bay and then head back into the city along Jervois, Ponsonby and Karangahape roads.
   I've witnessed two cyclists hit by buses on the newly laid out Symonds Street. We need to make our streets safer to encourage more people to get on their bike!
   
4. ENVIRONMENT
   The United Nations Local Agenda 21 acknowledges that in order to solve some of the pressing problems facing our future we need to think global and act local. I hope that the new Auckland Council will follow in the footsteps of Waitakere Council and adopt a green print for guiding development in Auckland. We need more incentives for businesses, schools and households to act in a manner that is environmentally sustainable.
   
5. A VIBRANT DYNAMIC CITY
   To attract and retain the people Auckland needs to grow economically we need a city that is exciting. Fortunately we are endowed with a wealth of talent. Our visual and performance artsists are world class and Auckland's Diwali, Pasifika, and Chinese New Year festivals all enhance Auckland's profile as an exciting cosmopolitan city. I will be working to make sure there are more opportunities to show off Auckland's talent.
   

Personal Profile

No Tamaki Makaurau ahau, i tipu ake au i Waitakere, engari ka noho au i te taone mai ano toku hokinga ki Aotearoa i te tau 2008.

I grew up in West Auckland but have since made the city my home. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Māori from The University of Auckland. After a five year hiatus I returned at the begining of this year to do a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management, much of which focuses on environmental decision making and public participation. My study has provided a thorough understanding of the RMA, the Local Government Act and The Treaty of Waitangi. I have aspirations to complete a Masters in Planning.

I have lived in Wellington, Sydney, Valencia and Dublin and travelled extensively through India, South America and Europe. In Sydney I worked in Wine. I worked on a Super yacht in Valencia during the America’s Cup and in Dublin I worked for a semi-state, administering monies from the European Union Social Fund. I am currently employed by Auckland Uniservices, the commercialisation arm of The University of Auckland.

I see a bright, sustainable future for Auckland and I want to listen and lead us there.