Cr Judy Lawley, J.P.

 experience - training - reputation

WAITEMATA HEALTH BOARD

WAITAKERE RANGES LOCAL BOARD and WAITAKERE LICENSING TRUST

In the new Auckland communities need strong and responsible decision-makers. I bring proven ability to advocate for community health needs, sound governance training and experience

- 9 years as Waitakere City Councillor, Chair of Waitakere council culture and community committee,

   certified chair for Resource Management Act Hearings

- Masters in Social Policy, including international health policy, Oxford University

- 40 years living and working in West Auckland, successful career in mental health, community health, social services and education,

   manager of national collaboration projects for social services and education  

- also co-partner in medium sized family business, and experience in financial governance

- active member of many community and health organisations - Post-polio, child poverty, women's health, Rotary, NZ Peace Foundation,

   Waitemata orchestra, arts councils and theatre groups.   

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Issues

1. Stopping the upwards trend of rates rises.
   We get many services for our rates and Waitakere has in recent years used rates dollars wisely for long overdue improvements. But the trend year after year cannot continue. We need more effective partnerships with central government, especially for health, transport, housing and education.
2. Healthy and educated cities with improved urban design for sustainable healthy housing.
   Local health services - full 24 hours emergency services at the local hospital and continuing extension of full services. This includes stronger health education to combat social diseases such as alcoholism and smoking.
3. Sustaining our communities. Waitakere has led the way in preserving our environment and initiating community projects that have social benefits that should not be underestimated for their impacts on lives now and for the future. It's well proven that people involved in their communities are healthier. They are better at advocating for hospitals and local health services.
4. Health and community facilities. The Waitakere Local Board area is large and some of it sparsely populated. Safe roads, paths and public transport are expensive but essential. An involved community will advocate for public places (parks, halls, libraries, sports and performance places) and the Local Board must lead that involvement.
5. Fair local government. Bureaucracy must not get in the way of enterprise and progress. Local government must balance responsibilities of preservation and protection with supporting economic development for jobs and housing and a healthier population.

Personal Profile

Further to the official profile above:

- lived Glen Eden, Titirangi and Henderson Valley for 40 years 
- supportive family  - partner, twin daughters and three grandchildren 
- a pakeha from Taranaki, grandchildren are pakeha/Maori/Samoan/Tongan

- have worked as researcher, social worker, community worker family business owner, 
    teacher and school counsellor,   manager of national social services and education projects 
- awarded international study scholarships - Rotary International Peace Studies to Oxford, U.K.
     and Churchill Fellowship to USA and Canada for values education

- until recently I served 8 years as a member of the Unitec Council -  I initiated the Learning City 
      policy for Waitakere City and helped set up the Ace Space Learning Shop 

- interests include family time, supporting performing arts, gardening, music, cooking and reading.