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With  the creation of the new super-city we are moving into an entirely new political environment; one   where local boards can make a real difference by ensuring  local democracy and public participation in the future of the communities they serve. Managing that new environment is going to take local board members with fresh thinking, innovative perspective, and political ability – qualities and skills that I am confident I can bring.

I’ve lived for over twenty years in the Waitakere Ranges, and feel privileged to be living and raising my family here.  I really do believe that ‘West is Best’ and that Waitakere has much to contribute to the new Auckland; smart thinking, creativity, innovation, diversity, Westy attitude and independence, as well as our internationally regarded eco-city values. But I want to be sure that our participation in the new city isn’t at the expense of our unique identity, our environment, or our community assets and services. 

My position and that of the Future West team is clear; we are about your street not Queen Street. We are committed to the protection of the ranges, building strong community partnerships and local democracy, ensuring fair rates that are not siphoned off for super city ‘white elephants’, the protection of our community assets,  improved public transportation including cycle-ways,  and a sustainable economic  development leading to a vibrant and prosperous Waitakere for our families and all residents.  

As Chief Executive for the aid agency TEAR Fund, I’m experienced at working with communities overseas and locally, supporting and resourcing their goals for sustainable economic development and building local democracy.  I have worked with governments around the world as well as New Zealand central and local government, NGO’s, community groups and churches.  I want to put this experience to work for Waitakere.

Importantly, I’m part of Future West, the Labour –Green team with the capacity and resources to stand firm on our commitments to you.  Unlike independent candidates  who are accountable only to themselves and limited by their individual resources, we have the experienced backing we need to deliver a strong and united vision for Waitakere Ranges Local Board area.

I’m asking for you to vote for me, Steve Tollestrup and the Future West team.

 

Top 5 Issues

1. Politics of the Super-City:
   
   Building an effective Local Board that builds local democracy and capacity ensuring an effective working relationship with the 'Super-City' council including accountability back to the Community.
2. Community assets:
   
   Making sure community assets that provide essential services or generate major income are retained in Council ownership and control. Importantly, that includes water services.
3. Environment:
   
   Protecting the Waitakere Ranges, wilderness and coast from commercial exploitation and over development. Continuing the vision of the Eco-City by caring for our environment, reducing land, air and water pollution.
4. Fair Rates
   
   Fair rates that are not adding further economic hardship to rate-payers on super city projects of little value to the west, or rates siphoned off for ‘white elephants’. With my Future West colleagues we will vigorously oppose waste water charges that can add hundreds of dollars of costs to you every year.
5. Sustainable Community Development
   
   Working for vibrant and healthy communities and neighbourhoods both socially and economically, where families and citizens feel valued and safe. This includes real engagement with community groups, service providers, churches, the arts and sport.
   
   

Personal Profile

Steve Tollestrup is the Executive Director of TEAR Fund and lives in west Auckland with his wife Deirdre, a family therapist. They have four children. Steve was born in the United States and holds both US and NZ  citizenship, and has lived  in New Zealand since 1975.

Steve  graduated from Laidlaw College with a Bachelor of Theology and a post-graduate diploma in Labour relations as well as additional papers towards a Master of Philosophy in  Management Studies from the University  of Auckland. He has been awarded a NZ government scholarship for impact assessment training in India. He has specialist and field training in conflict resolution and Micro-enterprise development.

Steve is a member of the Fundraising Institute of NZ and has over 20 years fund-raising experience.

Steve has served the Micah Challenge, the Lausanne Committee on Peace and Reconciliation, the International  Viva Network for  Children at Risk as well as numerous working groups and committees within the NGO Aid and not for profit sector. He is the International Director for WEA Peace and Reconciliation Initiative. Steve as served two terms as Chairperson with the NZ Council for International Development, the New Zealand  umbrella group for International NGO’s and Aid agencies.  

Steve has travelled widely throughout the developing world in his capacity with TEAR Fund including Palestinian territories, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Central Africa and throughout South East Asia.

He likes to chill out with family, pursuing endless home renovations, reading and walking in the Waitakeres. He is rated with Gliding NZ as a Qualified Glider Pilot. He is a keen amateur astronomer and member of the Auckland Astronomical Society. 

In another life he might have been a blues guitarist or political satirists, but he is very happy with the one he has.