Aged 49, a registered Architect, Urban Designer and director of Gulf Design Architects, based in Northcote and established in 1989. I would like to raise awareness of the need for a comprehensive approach to Urban Design and Spatial Planning of local communities. Incorporating variables such as transport, infrastructure, railways, public space and buildings in strategically planned sustainable design.

The result:-

GOOD LOCAL URBAN OUTCOMES FOR PEOPLE

The link between economic health, efficiency and prosperity of the city, and its urban configuration is well known. A dense well planned city centre and local centres well serviced with public transport, is the most sustainable and prosperous model. Auckland is far from ideal with to great an urban sprawl and emphasis on the private vehicle, truck and motorway. My feeling is I can help address these issues locally and city wide as a local board member.

Top 5 Issues

1. Holding the new Auckland Council and CCOs (Council Controlled Organisations) accountable to the local wards. New Auckland Council will be a huge bureaucracy which presents challenges to local boards and councillors. Ensure that the elected Councillor is effective here.
2. Good local urban design of public space and street network. "Bottom up" approach to local design initiatives with a high level of public and stakeholder consultation. Ensure that new Auckland Council "Spatial Plan" allows this. I have good knowledge and experience of how development, planning, compliance and construction works here.
3. Ensuring the local voice is heard at Auckland Council level. Given the highly bureaucratic nature of the new Auckland Council, local boards
   need to be powerful. The makeup of the boards need to include people who have experience of dealing with Local Authorities, and interpretting development plans for public works and local development proposals.
4. Limit annual rates rises by being aware of the cost effectiveness of public works, my experience in the construction industry is useful. Local people need to know that a fare share of their rates are being spent back in the local community, and that their rates are not being used wastefully.
5. Public transport both bus and rail is very important and is part of the life blood of the city.
   All prosperous cities complement their road network with high quality public transport. For Auckland to realise its potential prosperity it must have good public transport that is reliable, presents options, and that the people want to use. When Auckland is prosperous New Zealand is prosperous.

Personal Profile

Barry Holton

Registered Architect and graduate of the Auckland School of Architecture with 22 years experience in the profession.

Urban design qualification:- MSc degree from University College London

Work history: Have worked in the Architectural profession overseas and in New Zealand. My Practice GULF DESIGN is based at Northcote Point, established in 1989.

Memberships:- NZ Institute of Architects; NZIA Urban Issues Group Committee member; Westhaven Marina Users Association Committee member.

My main leisure activity is sailing and yacht racing, and I have a great interest and many contacts within the marine industry.

I have a family with two lovely daughters.