Brian Chamberlin is a very experienced advocate and administrator at national and international level.  He was NZ president of Federated Farmers, vice president of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers, and was New Zealand’s first Special Agricultural Trade Envoy.

He has been involved in many commercial operations in farming and broadcasting.  He was chairman of Radio Pacific, and is on the board of the National Pacific Radio Trust.  Membership of the Whangaparaoa Methodist Parish keeps him involved in social justice issues.

Brian lives at Army Bay, and advocates sensible development of infrastructure that will improve local facilities, both urban and rural.  As a keen fisherman, he would like to see at least one boat ramp in the area protected by a breakwater.

Brian believes that the Super City must work for all stakeholders, and that supporting Citizens and Ratepayers candidates will deliver the results needed.

Top 5 Issues

1. Fairness : I would want to obtain a fair share of the Super City’s resources for Hibiscus Coast residents, by negotiation and advocacy, and through co-operation with members of the Citizens and Ratepayers Association on the new council, and other groups.
2. Affordability: I would want to see the merged Super City rationalising services and providing value for money. Many of our residents, especially senior citizens, face declining incomes. They cannot pay ever-increasing rates.
3. Better infrastructure: Auckland is one of the more difficult cities in the world to move around. It takes far too long for Hibiscus Coast residents to travel to the airport, for example. I would want to make it easier to get around our city. Busways are a great idea, but they must have adequate parking to go with them.
4. Better access to the Hibiscus Coast: With continued growth, increased visitor numbers from the development of Shakespear Park, and the need for a safe alternative route for residents, I would want Penlink to be implemented.
5. Recreational facilities: Such facilities, especially those for young people, must keep pace with population growth. I would want least one breakwater-protected boat ramp to make fishing and boating safer.
   
   

Personal Profile

Brian Chamberlin CBE is a very experienced advocate and administrator.  He believes that it is vital that we make the restructured Auckland City work well for all its stakeholders.

 

Brian’s experience includes being President of New Zealand Federated Farmers and vice-president of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers.  His leadership of Federated Farmers coincided with the most difficult time farmers faced since the great depression of the 1930s. The fact that the industry came through that crisis in a strengthened position is largely due to his leadership.

 

His work with Federated Farmers led to an invitation to join the diplomatic service. He was New Zealand’s first Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, and Counsellor (Agriculture) at the New Zealand High Commission in London.  While doing this work he was part of a team that successfully negotiated the GATT Uruguay Round trade agreement.

 

This is by far New Zealand’s most important trade deal.  It limited the production of the subsidized competition faced by our dairy industry and is the main reason for the spectacular growth in that sector.  It also provided us with improved access for meat industry, especially lamb.

 

Brian Chamberlin chaired a review of the kiwifruit industry and played a major role in the establishment of the now successful Kiwifruit Marketing Board.  He has accepted international invitations to speak on farming without subsidies, the New Zealand economic reforms and the GATT question. His book Farming and Subsidies: Debunking the Myths, has sold in over 40 countries.

 

Broadcasting has also been a great interest.  He was a foundation director of Radio Pacific and was chairman of the company for ten years.  He enjoys working with Pacific people in New Zealand and serves on the Board of the National Pacific Radio Trust, which runs radio stations 531pi and NiuFM.

 

His lifelong association with the Methodist Church keeps him up to date with and involved in social issues.

 

Members of our Local Board will need great advocacy and negotiating skills to get fair treatment for the Hibiscus Coast in the new Super City.  Brian Chamberlin has those skills.

 

Phone: (09) 428 1103 or 021 134 8458                                                       E-mail:  bjchamberlin@xtra.co.nz