I am standing for the Waiheke local board because I want to contribute to a new Auckland Council which better understands and serves Waiheke. The beginning of the super city is a critical time to shape the role of local boards and our best chance to ensure we get the good goverance and affordable services we deserve.

Four generations of my family live on Waiheke and I am committed to our very talented local community taking charge of our common future.

I am an able facilitator, competent presenter and active listener. I have management qualifications and am a competent researcher. My qualifications in peace and conflict studies equip me well to make progress with diverse views.

I have worked with people of all ages and abilities and enjoy teamwork and helping others get involved. I'm in my late twenties and am keen to involve more young people in community affairs.

Top 5 Issues

1. Governance
   The Auckland Council restructuring provides an opportunity for Waiheke to increase the power we as a community have over decisions that affect us.
   The new local board needs to be committed to working within the new structure by forming strong relationships to the council and CCO's, while also engaging with the island community effectively.
2. Planning and sustainable development
   Future planning needs to be based on a realistic assessment on what is best for our people and our environment. Our infrastructure needs to be affordable, of appropriate scale and sustainable, from the perspective of both the environment and the future ratepayers who will have to maintain it.
3. Community engagement and representation
4. Building an effective team
5. Transport
   Waiheke's transport needs to be planned thoroughly

Personal Profile

I was born on the island and have lived here for most of my life. I went to Te Huruhi Primary and Waiheke High School before leaving the island to study in Australia.

I was a carer for over 10 years, in New Zealand, Australia and the UK, working with disabled and elderly clients. I currently work for Clean Stream Waiheke and the Waste Resource Trust and am the Junk to Funk coordinator.

Qualifications:

Graduate Diploma in Not for Profit Management

Bachelor of Arts (Peace and Conflict Studies)

Certificate in Conflict Resolution

Trinity Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language