Rob Goulden

ED JP MBA

Like most Wellingtonians I am passionate about the city and believe it has the potential to always do better. I am heavily involved in the local community and sport. I’ve worked hard for the local area and the city as a Councillor and want to continue to serve the city.

It is important to have the Eastern Suburbs well represented at the Council table to make decisions that effect the future and shape of our area but also the city.

My main priorities are: 1. Strong leadership and advocasy for and communication with people. 2. Support and encourage innovation and business in the city. 3. Improve all forms of transport and infrastructure. 4. Improve community and public safety. 5. Ensure we maintain a clean and pristine environment. 6. Reduce and control the spiralling city debt estimated to reach $330 million by June 2011 and minimise wastage. 7. Stop selling the city assets. 8. Encourage tourism. 9. Ensure less bureaucracy.  10. Get a decent long term Capavan Park for the city 11. Expand the artificial turf program. 

While there are many matters for Council to deal with I have listed the five issues which I think are critical to Wellington's future and success.

'Lets make Wellington the best it can be together'

Contact information:

rob.goulden@xtra.co.nz

Ph 3886-177

Cell 0274-34-8751

Top 5 Issues

1. Traffic and transport
   The congestion in the Eastern suburbs needs to be sorted out and is a priority. The roading issue needs to be fixed. It could become a regional problem if not addressed. This is evident with the plans for Airport expansion and the completion of the Indoor Sports Centre. I favour a good mix of private and public transport including cycling and good pedestrian access. The roading projects are a priority for central government and I think the Council should focus on other infrastructure to facilitate good public transport.
2. Financial and affordability
   Ensure that the Council is financially well run.
   That the ratepayers get good value for there rates and that Council makes a real effort to reduce the growing debt level.The current debt is $260 million with Council about to take on another $73.3 million in the next 10 months. This works about about $4,400 per ratepayer of debt. Ensure that the city is affordable for people to live and work here. Support business and innovative ideas for the city to prosper. I support initiatives such as broadband access and Wellington being a fair trade city. We must encourage more innovation and diversity in the financial base and find other ways to pay for things. Partnerships are an option.
3. Environment
   Ensure we try to maintain a clean and pristine environment. ensure that our heritage, coastline and natural habitat is looked after. Support climate change policy and intiatives
4. Arts, Events and Tourism
   Keep Wellington at the forefront of arts, culture and events and keep tourism on a roll. Its become an interesting and fun place to live and work and we should keep improving that if we can.
5. Safety and Security
   Community safety and well being is a priority for me. I support community safety intiatives and traffic safety measures particularly in vulnerable areas such as the shopping areas and around schools.

Personal Profile

Like many Wellingtonians I immigrated  to New Zealand with my family. After spending a few years here I travelled to India and Pakistan where I lived for over 2 years. My schooling was mainly in New Zealand but I also had the experience of 2 years in India. I came into local body politics after long careers in the NZ Police and NZ Army.

I have also worked for the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, for the United Nations for 18 months in Croatia and Bosnia in the Former Yugloslavia, the Peace Monitoring Group in Bougainville, and for an International company involving security work.

My Council experience also includes terms on the Strategy and Policy committee, Chairman of the Grants Committee, Audit and Risk Managment Committee, Deputy Chair of the Regulatory Processes Committee and as a Director of Positively Wellington Tourism. Served on a number of Resource Management Hearings as a Commissioner.

I have been involved in many community projects including fundraising and beach clean ups. I have coached rugby for years and soccer for the last 4 years in the local community. I serve voluntarily as a local Justic of Peace. I now referee rugby on a weekly basis and follow my passion of fishing when I get time.

I live in my own home in the local community with my family and I enjoy serving the local community and the city as a Councillor and would like to continue that work.

 I am very grateful for the support I have had from the community in performing my job.

 Education

1998 Master Degree in Business Administration (Massey University)

Special Achievements

• Awarded New Zealand Operational Service Medal May 2002
• Appointed Justice of Peace for New Zealand
• Awarded New Zealand Army Efficiency Decoration Feb 2000
• Awarded New Zealand Army General Service Medal (for service in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, with Peace Monitoring Group) 1999
• Awarded United Nations Peace Medal for (former Yugoslavia) UNPROFOR-UNPF 1995
• Awarded New Zealand Police Long Service and Good Cnduct medal  1990 and 21 year bar 1997