Waitematā & Gulf Ward Candidates 2022

​I support targeted free and discounted public transport particularly for under 25’s, students, community service card holders and over 65’s.

2) What other measures will you take to incentivise public transport use and reduce congestion? 

Improving frequency, reliability and extending services to more people is a priority. Making public transport an attractive option along with safer streets for walking and cycling will provide transport choice and reduce congestion.

3) How will you address the causes of crime?

Government is primarily responsible for reducing crime by addressing poverty and homelessness and providing the support services needed. Council also has a role to play for example funding Housing First, and the work of agencies such as the Auckland City Mission and Lifewise.

 4) Do you support or oppose halting construction of the marina at Pūtiki Bay?

The marina has a valid resource consent that has been tested through multiple court actions. It is not possible for any elected representative to halt or stop construction of the marina at this stage.

5) What measures will you take to protect renters, including tackling rising rents? 

I have signed up to the Renters United asks for local government candidates, and am particularly interested in the support council can offer to tenant advocacy groups and around enforcement of rental rules, as well as council being an advocate to central government to rebalance the power mismatch between landlords and tenants.

6) Will you vote for the creation of Māori wards in time for the 2025 elections?

Yes I support the creation of Māori wards on Auckland Council

7) What will you do to end houselessness in Auckland?

I will continue to support the funding of Housing First and the work of agencies such as the Auckland City Mission and Lifewise working directly with rough sleepers and the homeless. I successfully advocated for Auckland Council to contribute $5m to the building of the Mission’s HomeGround. I also support council funded services to address homelessness and specialist staff

8) Would you support Auckland Council procuring or building council housing, or financially assisting communities and iwi to procure or build additional housing to combat the housing crisis?

​YES

9) What will you do to implement Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri (Auckland’s Climate Plan) and ensure Auckland reaches its 2030 and 2050 climate goals?

I will supported the Climate Action Targeted Rate approved as part of the Annual Budget 22/23 which locks in $1 billion of climate action investment over the next 10 years. I also supported the Transport Emissions Reduction Pathway approved in August and will work to ensure it is implemented by Auckland Transport

10) What is your position on sections of the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013 which have empowered police actions against rough sleepers?

​I don’t think the Police should be the first responders to rough sleeping. I support council working with appropriate agencies to find emergency accommodation for rough sleepers (for example at James Liston Hostel) and a move into permanent housing.

11) Academics Joanna Kidman and Vincent O’Malley recently highlighted once again the continuing presence of statues and street names celebrating colonial figures. Following the recent example of Hamilton City Council and others, will you invite mana whenua to decide what should happen with these symbols of colonisation? 

I support the Waitematā Local Board’s working with mana whenua to identify a suitable response to colonial statues in local parks (eg additional signage) and support the work underway to adopt bi-lingual (or te reo only) names for Regional Parks

12) Limited trials of a 4-day working week with full pay show minimal or no loss in productivity, while studies suggest a shorter working week would significantly reduce emissions. Would you support a 4-day working week for council staff?

I support council staff being given flexibility to achieve greater productivity, well-being and to reduce emissions. I would support a trial of a 4-day working week.

13) In your opinion, should Auckland Council allow the use of public venues by controversial speakers who are seen as pushing misinformation, such as conspiracies related to Covid-19, or hate speech like racism, homophobia and transphobia?

I think it is lawful for Auckland Council to stop public venues being used by speakers who create a security and safety risk because of their views that are based on disinformation or are intended to spread hate.