Geoff is committed to involvement in Franklin. He's President of the Franklin A&P Society, a Trustee of the Arts, Culture & Learning and family support Trusts of Franklin. He chaired the building of Pukeware Hall, facilitated the merger of three organisations to the present Enterprise Franklin Development Trust for which he was the inaugural chairman. Geoff is a Senior Manager with the largest organisation of General Practitioner Doctors in greater Auckland Region and their representative on the Care of Older People in Franklin project. He has worked for many years in Front Line, Executive Management and Leadership roles. His focus is on organisation and leadership development; change management, and building high performance organisations which are also great places to work. Geoff looks forward to developing ideas through conversation with people for the development of Franklin, in particular Waiuku and Awhitu as great places to live, work and play.

Top 5 Issues

1. Ensure recreation facilities are accessible to the community including develop the Waiuku Sports Parkand and encourage a network of walking and cycle ways.
2. Make the most of the harbour setting, with reserves and sensitive development accessible by road and water. Progress Manukau Harbour tidal wharf facilities to promote and support the Tourism Industry and water transport on the Manukau.
3. Push for recognition of rural fire service medical response.
4. Encourage development of new businesses to provide employment and economic strength, which are compatible with the Franklin Country brand.
5. Restore and develop ecologically sound eco-tourism sites/opportunities.

Personal Profile

Geoff Smith began life as a teacher then moved to industry. He has been involved in many industries since, including high turnover consumer goods, motor vehicle manufacturing, food processing, textile manufacturing, distribution, hospitality and public health. He has occupied various roles from Training Officer to General Manager Patient & Staff Safety and Human Resources for New Zealand’s busiest Acute Hospital with 4,600 staff.

As a consultant he was involved in engineering, meat export, road transport, regional economic development, and private & public health services. Geoff is currently a Senior Manager with an organisation of over 650 General Practitioners in the greater Auckland region.

Geoff has a variety of involvement in the Franklin District including developing the current Enterprise Franklin Development Trust for which he was the inaugural chairman. He was also a founding trustee of the Auckland Region Economic Development Association Inc.  He chaired the building of the new Pukeoware Community Hall, best in the district.

Geoff is the President of the Franklin Agricultural & Pastoral Society, a member of the Royal Agricultural Society Strategic Task Force, Chairman of the Franklin Arts, Culture & Learning Trust, and Chairman of the Franklin Family Support Trust.

Geoff and his partner live in Pukeoware at Hazeldene Farm where they breed sport horses.