Having called the East Coast Bays home all my life, I now have the privilege of bringing up my two daughters in this beautiful part of the world. For the past six years, I have served as an electorate agent for our local MP in Browns Bay. There I assist and advocate for residents who have issues with local and central government. It is through my experience of working closely with local residents and being one myself that I have a clear insight into the local issues that need urgent attention and what needs to be done to fix them.
The East Coast Bays is growing at an exponential rate, and we must invest in new infrastructure not only to sustain current growth rates but also support our future needs. But this can’t be done in isolation. Existing infrastructure has been overlooked and is no longer in a fit state to service the needs of our community. I’m focused on making the ECB a priority and ensuring we get the funding our neighbourhood deserves.
Ensuring families feel safe while they are out in our growing community is crucial. Recently, we have seen a huge spike in youth violence and crime, poor upkeep of our roads, footpaths and council sites, as well as the increase in traffic and parking woes. The Local Board and I must put pressure on Auckland Transport for better and safer traffic solutions, which have been plagued by poor planning, lack of community engagement and a degree of arrogance. Auckland Council needs to look after our green areas more efficiently and more regularly. If entrusted with your vote, I intend to hold these council entities to account on behalf of all ratepayers.
Communities need to be inclusive and connected to thrive. Better access to public transport provides residents with greater connectivity to the wider Auckland region, easier access to employment and education, and reduces the ever-growing Auckland congestion problem. I intend on holding an honest discussion with Auckland Transport on how we can work together to lift the Bays’ access to timely well-thought-out public transport options.
For too long the Local Board and Auckland Council have operated in a vacuum. I will bring much-needed transparency and community engagement in decision-making to ensure that resident voices are heard, understood and always considered. The Local Board and Auckland Council need to be prudent and responsible with ratepayer funds, and I will always be mindful that every dollar spent is put to excellent use for the benefit of all our community members.
It will be my mission to ensure the East Coast Bays receive the resources required to meet our diverse community needs. I'm a strong independent candidate with deep roots in the Bays. I offer a fresh approach underpinned by results and accountability. I am asking for your vote because the Bays deserve more from council and I will deliver results we can all be proud of.
