Local elections 2016: Devonport-Takapuna Local Board candidates
The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board region has six seats up for grabs in the upcoming local elections.
A significant shake up of its existing members will unavoidably occur with half the sitting board not running for reelection.
The board region includes Devonport, Stanley Bay, Vauxhall, Narrow Neck, Bayswater, Belmont, Hauraki, Takapuna, Westlake, Milford, Forrest Hill, Castor Bay and Sunnynook.
Building intensification around Takapuna is set to be a major local election issue following the Auckland Unitary Plan.
Here are the candidates:
Grant Gillon (Shore Action)
A life-long North Shore resident, businessman, local board member and former councillor, I believe in protecting our unique Shore identity, lifestyle and landscape. Trust me to retain an enhanced Takapuna Holiday Park, Takapuna carpark and Sunday Market, and an improved, sustainable environment. I oppose the sell-off of our precious parks and reserves. I will act for fairer rates, improved public transport, reduced congestion, enhanced heritage protection, affordable housing including pensioner housing, and sports fields. “Please support fellow ‘Shore Action’ members.”
Lake Pupuke in Takapuna has had ongoing issues with eelgrass overgrowth.
Jennifer McKenzie (Team George Wood)
I live in Milford and have always been involved in community organisations. I have been North Shore Youth co-chairperson, a Girl Guide leader in Hauraki and am now the president elect for Takapuna Rotary. I am community-focused and want to see our area continue to prosper and grow. Priorities include; traffic on Lake Road, public transport, cleaner beaches, improving coastal walkways, retaining the Takapuna markets and holiday park and looking into more parking. I offer a younger and more diverse perspective about the needs of our community.
Fay Freeman (Auckland Future)
The Waka Ama club overlooking a section of the Takapuna Beach Reserve.
I am a North Shore resident with an extensive background in the arts, community development and sport. We need more quality places and spaces for families, children and youth to recreate. I have the background and experience to lead local initiatives. I will support local projects and work with the community to explore the best options for delivering on those projects. We need initiative solutions to address issues around transportation and intensification. As a planner, I can deliver.
Mary-Anne BensonâCooper (Independent)
I work in the field of health and safety and have strong family values and have lived on the North Shore for most of my life. Yes, I want to cap the rates and improve our transport system. This is the issue I am concerned about. Most of all, I know I have the skills to communicate and ensure the Auckland Council has a vote from us here on the North Shore.
Michael Sheehy (Team George Wood)
I have been a retailer in Takapuna 30 years and lived in Bayswater all my life. I am a past president Takapuna Business Association and served terms on Bayswater Community Committee, and Takapuna Community Board. My vision is to fix Lake Road, cleaner beaches, better boat access, development of Milford to Takapuna coastal walkway, better long-term maintenance of sports grounds. Improve and keep the camping ground on the existing footprint. With the forced high density, our parks are essential. I have a commonsense approach.
Rohan Lord (Shore Action)
Are public parks and assets important to you? The community has spoken and I will work to retain the Takapuna campground, and prevent the sale of public land including the Takapuna carpark/market. I bring a wide skill set, including strong sporting background (ex NZ Laser Sailing Champion, 2012 Olympic Sailing Team manager/operations, America’s Cup, Afghanistan ski racing, Ironman) and real-world blue chip business experience. The sports and arts benefit to the community is substantial, needs to be promoted’
Gavin Busch (Team George Wood)
I am a local businessman and past club president of Devonport and Takapuna Rotary clubs. I live in Narrow Neck with my wife and three young children. Living in Devonport and working in Takapuna, gives me a good insight into the major issues impacting you. Specifically Lake Road, the effects of the Unitary Plan on an already intensified peninsula, the future development of Takapuna carpark, as well as the unfair share from our rates we get back to spend in the area.
Bruce Tubb (Independent)
I wish to give something back to our community and have lived in Belmont for 39 years with no vested interests. I am an urban valuer and resource management planner. I worked for the department of lands and survey and conversation for 45 years.
George Wood (Team George Wood)
We are deciding between two clear futures; the future that Team George Wood advocates of developing our North Shore to provide for a positive outlook; or the status quo which isn’t an option. We must manage change in a way that improves our Shore way of life. Team George Wood has a mix of experience and youth. I will work to build strong communities, improve Lake Road, keep the Holiday Park where it is and closely monitor Takapuna centre growth.
Nick Kearney (Team George Wood)
I grew up in Milford and my first career was as a policeman in Takapuna. I am now a partner in a Milford law firm and was the former deputy chairman of the Kaipatiki Local Board. I am the president of the North Harbour Triathlon Club and enjoy yoga. I want to ensure the area remains the best place in the world to live and play, and strongly believe in positive leadership, and improved amenities such as pools, roads, footpaths, parks and beaches.
Mike Cohen (Community Before Council)
Recognised by “Stuff” as one of the six hardest working politicians in Auckland. It’s imperative locals can influence what happens in their neighbourhoods. To this end, I initiated a poll enabling locals to save Takapuna Beach Holiday Park. My involvement in Wairau Bridge and Lyford Bush projects also demonstrates my ability to make community initiatives happen. For 18 years I have been serving our community, bringing a wealth of experience and proven expertise. I will continue to make a difference.
Don Campbell
When the Local Board ignored majority opinion over the Takapuna caravan park lease and other issues, it became obvious that there was a need for members attuned to community viewpoints. We are in for a rocky few years with infill housing putting enormous pressure on already strained local roads and services and no upgrades in sight. A fix for Lake and Esmonde roads, a lease for the caravan park and additional parking for Takapuna are priorities.
Jan O’Connor (Shore Action)
I am a current Local Board member. I believe that Takapuna’s camping ground must be upgraded on its current footprint. The Anzac Street Carpark should not be sold. Can you imagine this as our future Aotea Square, used for events, parades, and the iconic Sunday Market? Save all our open space; keep our area between Devonport and Sunset Road beautiful. Provide safe walkways, cycleways, clean beaches, bus lanes. Vote Jan O’Connor and my fellow “Shore Action” candidates. We promise to listen.
Trish Deans (Shore Action)
It is vital that the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board listens to the community and acts collaboratively. With the Unitary Plan coming into effect, we need to ensure that we retain our public assets, keep the campground, plan for much needed infrastructure and safeguard our environment. My experience as an assistant principal and chairperson of Devonport Heritage has allowed me to gain the skills to understand what matters most to people, and I will be a strong community advocate.
Ian Revelle (Team George Wood)
My family established in Milford before 1900; my first home was in Devonport; formerly CIB Crime Squad Chief, I served as MP Northcote and Deputy Speaker in the 1990s. A local Real Estate Consultant with Prestige, I understand the important issues. Agendas include undergrounding ugly powerlines, improved maintenance in parks, beach walkways, cleaner beaches. I support SkyPath cycleway. I drive a rechargeable EV. Married to Susan – both active on ratepayer committees. Two adult sons. I enjoy ocean distance swimming.
Garry Venus (Shore Action) – no photo.
The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board must be coherent and must represent community views. This is now more important than ever with infrastructure pressures coming from Unitary Plan intensification. With years of professional environmental engineering and planning experience in NZ and overseas, I know about good decision-making and community involvement. I was born in Devonport and have lived in Takapuna for 25 years. I know the area. Along with my fellow “Shore Action” members, I believe I can make a difference.
Candidates John Hill and Kevin Brett did not respond by deadline to requests for a description and photo.
