Thanks for taking the time to learn a bit more about me. I am ready to take up the challenge of representing Rodney as a member of the Local Board.

The new Auckland Council will require innovation and the ability to steer through some of the unknowns. We need to ensure our rural ideals are respected, and the individual character of each community is protected.

I encourage you to attend your local 'Meet the Candidates' evening so you can get a feel for the people who will be looking after the interests of your community.

Thank you - and remember to vote!

Rick Croft

Top 5 Issues

1. Taking care of unfinished business – The existing council will still have projects that must be kept moving forward. The commitment to these projects must be carried on by the new board without delay or interruption.
2. Set a positive tone in the new Local Board – I want to see a Local Board culture that is accessible and responsive to the individual communities within Rodney, and will be a positive advocate for the interests of those communities
3. Look after infrastructure – The Local Board will set the standard for services and infrastructure. This will be the most important, ongoing duty of the Board. This is an area I believe we need to immediately start looking to see how we can get the most ‘bang for our buck’ from the new ‘Supercity’.
4. Prepare for the future of the Western corridor – Westgate is growing our way. We will have to come to grips with the impact this will have on our rural community at large. We need to support the community in deciding how the inevitable growth will happen.
5. Build a strong team – I feel very strongly that it will be important to establish positive working relationships with the new Auckland Council ‘Governing Body’ and Council Controlled Organisations. This will be the key to ensuring infrastructure, services and planning reflect our needs as a community.

Personal Profile

We are about to enter the new ‘Supercity’ era. Some people are going with great enthusiasm and some are going reluctantly. I am standing for the Local Board because I believe as a community we need to establish a strong, proactive presence in the new Auckland Council.

I want to help design a future for Rodney in which we grow our local communities carefully and take maximum benefit from the new government model we have been given. My philosophy in governance is to promote and provide efficient services, good infrastructure, responsible budgeting and positive community involvement.

The new ‘Supercity’ needs to work for us.

I am eager to make sure the ‘Governing Body’ of the Auckland Council knows who we are, where we are and what we require. I believe this is our opportunity to make a real difference in the way our community will be represented. I have had concerns about the ‘Supercity’ concept from the beginning. I believe we will need to be proactive and diligent from the start to maximise the benefits we have been promised. We will need to build good working relationships with the council to ensure regional strategic decisions respect our community ideals.

Why me?

I believe I understand the diverse aspirations and concerns we have for our community. I am ready to be an advocate for West Rodney. Here are a few reasons I believe I am a good choice for the west:

• Helensville resident 17 years
• Helensville A&P Association - President (2006-2009)
• Local RWC 2011 committee
• Civil design/project management experience
• I like to keep things simple and practical

Let’s get it right – from the start!

Please vote - thank you

Rick Croft