Whau Ward Local Board

Q.S.M., JP.    A truly independent, no-nonsense, Waitakere City Councillor standing for the Whau Local Board. I am presently Chairman: Auckland Regional Civil Defence, Tag-Out Graffiti Trust and Olympic Park Trust also trustee: Portage Trust and Ecomatters Environmental Trust. We’ve made huge achievements in New Lynn – especially the railway/bus interchange project and Olympic Park Avondale/New Lynn. Now I want to bring a “Whau Factor” to the new Ward, as a member of the Whau Local Board. I believe we must save the Avondale racecourse for its Sunday markets and playing fields. We need a cinema in New Lynn; revitalise our local town centres, provide park and ride at Avondale and New Lynn  rail stations. Quality medium density housing round railway town centres only. I will work with the community and the new Auckland council for our share of council resources. I am also an advocate for community policing and safety.

Portage Trust, New Lynn No2 Ward

Has lived in New Lynn for over 35 years. Member of Portage Trust for 6 years. Portage Trust plays an important role in supporting schools and voluntary organisations by providing funding for their many projects, also scholarships for our local secondary school students. The Trust continues to also support the wider community in charitable funding projects. I’m committed to responsible licensing and gambling regulations. The Trust has been upgrading existing premises and completed a new restaurant and bar in New Lynn called Black Salt to complement Bricklane Restaurant. The Trust is a commercial business and with my business background was appointed a commercial director on the Wats Board that manager the commercial activities of the Trusts business. I believe I can contribute to its continuing development and success into the future.

Top 5 Issues

1. Community.
   
   Keeping the Whau Ward community well informed through local decision making. Keeping our neighborhoods safe and secure by working with the police and community groups
   
   
2. Rates
   
   Ensuring that rates are affordable and ensuring that the Whau Ward receives it share of regional funding for local projects.
   
   
3. Local Economic Development
   
   Building on the economic revitalisation of New Lynn to encompass the Whau Wards local townships by working with all mainstream committees and wider community
   
   
4. Public Transport.
   
   Work with the new Auckland Transport Company to provide services that are easy to get around with good links to the upgraded rail network.
   
5. Environment.
   
   Work with the community and environmental groups to keep our streams, waterways, beaches and parks pristine.

Personal Profile

 

Moved to West Auckland 1962, build a home in Sunnyvale married with 4 adult children. Got involved in local issues in Sunnyvale, Henderson and from then over the years served as a councillor. Moved to New Lynn 1981. Worked for the family Funeral firm in Avondale then moved on to manage a printing business in New Lynn eventually becoming a partner in the firm. With the new Auckland Council being established felt it was time to step down as a councillor and give more time to the local Whau Ward community. There is still much to do in our new ward. In particular progressing the economic development in New Lynn and building on that across the Whau Ward. I would also like to continue my role in the area of Graffiti eradication with Tag Out  Graffiti Trust. and continue my involvement as a trustee on Ecomatters Environmental trust in working with the community.