Streets fit for walking and cycling, public transport that gets you where you want to go, clean beaches, well-maintained parks and safe neighbourhoods - these are my passions. I am an information professional working in health research. A lifelong North Shore resident, I am convenor of Living Streets North Shore, chairperson of the Bayswater Community Committee and a trustee of the Devonport Peninsula Trust. I believe that local people should decide how our unique neighbourhoods and town centres develop. The rich and varied heritage of our area should be protected. Libraries and other community facilities should be funded to meet local needs, and provide access to the resources of the wider region.  I would listen to individuals and community groups and take your concerns to the local board.  I have time and energy to provide fresh, independent perspectives as the new Auckland develops. For more information, email: gyrichards@xtra.co.nz

Top 5 Issues

1. Real travel choices - better public transport and safer walking and cycling.
   
   I will work for improved public transport throughout the local board area.
   
   More frequent off-peak services and integrated ticketing so that you have real travel choices whenever and however you wish to get from A to B.
   
   A ferry terminal at Bayswater which provides all weather protection for ferry users.
   
   An improved Devonport ferry terminal which meets the needs of commuters and visitors to Devonport.
   
   Safer streets - slower speeds and better road design - to make walking and cycling safer and more pleasant options, especially around schools and town centres.
   
   The Local Board will need to work with Auckland Transport to achieve better better public transport and less congested roads across our area.
   
2. Well maintained parks and reserves, clean beaches and streams.
   
   I will work for sports fields and playgrounds that meet the needs of all the community.
   
   Parks and reserves play an important role in connecting our communities through off-road walking and cycling routes.
   
   I will continue to champion improvements to walking and cycling routes and facilities throughout our area.
   
   I will ensure that the gains made by Project Care continue to deliver cleaner, healthier streams and beaches.
3. Protection of the unique heritage and character of the many communities which make up the new board area.
   
   I will work to protect heritage buildings and landscapes which rellect the character and history of our many communities.
   
   I will work with local residents' groups to ensure the aspirations and concerns of individual communities are heard.
   
   i will encourage the formation of Neighbourhood Support groups to help create safer communities where people know their neighbours.
4. Town centres and neighbourhood hubs developed in accordance with the expectations of local residents and businesses.
   
   I will work to ensure town centre plans, that have community and business support, obtain sufficient funding to be implemented in a timely manner.
   
   I will work with business associations, local residents, and landowners to ensure town centres large and small remain vibrant and viable retail centres meeting the needs of their local communities and contributing to the citywide economy.
   
   
5. Libraries, arts centres, community centres and other community facilities and community activities that continue to receive sufficient funding to meet the needs of their community.
   
   I will ensure planned community projects receive the funding needed to be progressed in a timely manner.
   
   I will work to ensure community activities continue to receive sufficient funding.
   
   I will champion the needs of young people, older people and people with disabilities in our community.

Personal Profile

Background

Born in Auckland, I attended Bayswater School and Takapuna Grammar School, then studied at The University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington, graduating with a BA and Master of Library and Information Studies. After working as a librarian in Wellington and London, I made my home in Bayswater.

At present I work at the Tamaki Campus of The University of Auckland, managing an information centre, commuting by bus, ferry and train. This means I have a real understanding of the importance of continually improving public transport in Auckland.

I will bring a fresh, independent outlook to the new Local Board, working hard to ensure local decisions benefit all the communities in our area from Sunnynook, Castor Bay and Forrest Hill to Devonport.

 

Community Involvement

Bayswater Community Committee Inc. - Chairperson since 2008

Living Streets North Shore, founding Convenor since 2008.

Devonport Peninsula Trust, trustee

Living Streets Aotearoa, National Secretary

Recipient of a Community Award (Devonport) at the 2010 North Shore City Civic Awards.

These roles have given me a good understanding of how local government works, and how to work with elected members and Council staff to achieve positive results.

 

Other Memberships

Federation of Graduate Women - North Shore Branch

Injury Prevention Network of Aotearoa (IPNANZ)

Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA)

 

For more information pleae

Contact me

 Please email: gyrichards@xtra.co.nz