Chris Darby

 

For six years Chris Darby has been a North Shore City councillor, at the forefront of advancing public transport, protecting the Shore's natural assets and revitalising town centres.

As a member of the Regional Transport Committee his leadership brought forward the third harbour crossing, future-proofed for rail, and confirmed the busway extension to Orewa.

He brings a commanding voice to the council table, working for rates reform, accountability and sensible financial management. He is also committed to working with business and government to bring a wealth of jobs to the Shore.

 

"Advocating for your community, strengthening local boards, protecting public assets and tackling transport and rates are my focus as your councillor. I want the North Shore to be a place where people come first, with vibrant communities, a thriving economy and healthy environment".

"I have the drive and ability to ensure the Shore plays a leading role in the new Auckland Council. Give me your vote and I will give you the leadership and action needed".

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Issues

1. Transport for Everyone
   
   Auckland’s transport system makes it slow and expensive to get around. Roads are clogged with traffic, buses are infrequent, ferries are expensive and the trains run late.
   Shore Voice believes public transport should be reliable, affordable and frequent, and provide real travel choices, making it easier for people to leave their cars at home.
   
   We will support:
   
   - Introducing a smartcard integrated ticket system
   - Extending the Northern Busway to Orewa
   - New ferry terminals for Bayswater, Beach Haven and Hobsonville
   - Advancing third-crossing tunnel option, future-
   proofed for rail
   - Improving school bus service
   - Safer walking and cycling option
   - Completing Auckland’s motorways
   - Developing a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) network
   
2. Community First
   
   North Shore's natural assets, community values and quality of life are the reasons so many of us choose to live here.
   
   Under the new system, the challenge for elected representatives is to protect the 'jewels' in our communities and all those things that make this a special place to work, rest and play.
   
   We pledge to:
   
   - Preserve our unique community partnership model for the delivery of community services
   - Protect and enhance our natural assets: open space, bush reserves and pristine beaches
   - Promote sporting activities for all ages as an essential feature of healthy communities
   - Preserve our libraries as valued centres for learning and inspiration
   
3. Environment
   
   Economic and social forces have driven the formation of the new Super City. But the quality of Auckland as a place to live, and to invest, is largely due to the quality of its environment.
   
   So it’s vital that we protect our most valuable asset, and put it at the heart of our decision-making.
   
   Shore Voice will:
   
   - Ensure a partnership exists between development and conservation
   - Improve water quality in our streams and coastal waters through effective stormwater management.
   - Ensure our beaches, bush and open spaces remain a priority in future planning.
   - Listen to our communities in developing the guiding documents for regional development.
   - Create genuine transport options, and ensure people can work close to where they live
   
4. Financial Management
   
   Above all, financial management in local government is about the care of other people’s money.
   
   The careful stewardship of council funds is paramount to the Shore Voice candidates. We take that duty seriously.
   
   After all, the local government dollar can only be spent once.
   
   We will:
   
   - Ensure fairness and equity in rating, now and in the future
   - Explore non-rates sources of revenue
   - Make sure funding decisions are based on community benefit and value for money
   - ShoreVoice pledges to act with these interests in mind to protect ratepayers from the potential aggressive effects of generalizing the rating base.
   
   

Personal Profile

 

Chris Darby   -  Devonport-Takapuna local board

 

“My links to community groups will ensure the community's voice is heard and hard-won battles protecting the area's remarkable landscape and heritage are not reversed.”

As your councillor of six years Chris has been at the forefront of innovative planning for Takapuna, Sunnynook and Devonport centres, leading the upgrading of public transport and major roads, advancing Devonport and Bayswater wharf redevelopment, challenging Milford high-rise proposals and addressing the toxic sea slug issue.

Chris's priorities are to sort out Lake Rd congestion, improve local bus services, respond to the needs of youth, develop a Great Harbour Walkway following the estuary shoreline from Devonport to Northcote, and remove the 23 stormwater outfalls polluting Takapuna Beach.

"Hard-fought community achievements risk being lost in the super-city unless skilled people are elected. A strong and united local board — listening, leading and taking action — is needed.

With your vote I will provide that vision and leadership."