|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Frankliners are now all set to elect a new representative for the Wairoa subdivision.
Triggered when long-serving Franklin Local Board member Malcolm Bell stepped down in March, the by-election sees four candidates vying for votes.
All eligible voters should have received their voting papers by post says Lou-Ann Ballantyne – Auckland Council’s general manager, governance and engagement.
“You can vote as soon as you get your papers and we encourage people to vote early rather than tuck the papers away. Check out the candidates who are standing and vote today. Every envelope that is posted back or dropped into a voting box shows great local support for Franklin.”
The Wairoa subdivision includes eastern Franklin, from Beachlands and Maraetai, to Clevedon, Drury South, Ararimu parts of Ramarama and Bombay.
Voting opened on Monday (May 11) and closes at midday on Wednesday June 10. Completed voting papers can be sent through an NZ Post box (before June 3), or dropped into a vote box – see locations below.
If voting papers haven’t been received, contact the Electoral Office at info@electionservices.co.nz or on 0800 922 822. Further advice, including how to cast a special vote, is also available.
Candidate statements:
Clare Alder (Team Franklin)
My principal place of residence is in the Franklin Local Board (Wairoa Subdivision) area.
My name is Clare Alder. I’m a local business owner, entrepreneur and mum of two and I’ve lived in the Wairoa area for more than 18 years.
I understand the needs of our rural and lifestyle communities because I’ve lived them. I’m committed to representing Wairoa with practical, common-sense solutions that reflect what matters most to our community.
I bring strong business and leadership experience and I’ve always believed in getting involved through local sports, business networks and advocating on community issues.
I’m passionate about supporting families, strengthening small businesses and ensuring growth protects Wairoa’s rural character through practical, community-focused outcomes.
Chris Caldwell
My principal place of residence is not in the Franklin Local Board (Wairoa Subdivision) area.
I am excited about the opportunity to represent the Wairoa part of the Franklin Local Board district. A Franklin resident for 40 years, I have closely monitored district development, in particular the Drury area that will see enormous growth over the coming years.
I am active in the area with personal and business interests. Further afield in Wairoa subdivision I am actively involved in boating off the Beachlands-Maraetai coast and I have seen the enormous residential development to the east of the Wairoa district.
I understand the population growth pressures that the land close to Auckland is under and I also the needs of the existing populations as the landscape of our area is transformed.
I have kept our local community aware of developments and believe a role on the local board would allow me to broaden this work to ensure the community has a voice in the changes that are underway.
Nick Corlett
My principal place of residence is not in the Franklin Local Board (Wairoa Subdivision) area.
I want you to vote for me and to let us make a start on ending this profligate council spending on consultants and multinational firms that currently have their snouts in the $10 billion trough that we provide in rates and borrowing.
Add another $10 billion that Auckland Transport spends contracting out, who need to make 25% profit to stay solvent, aim for 40 per cent and more, that’s about $8 billion leaving the country.
Thank you neoliberalism. Are we all mugs, or can we start by repealing the 95 Local Government Amendment Act? Stop contracting everything out, bring it all in house.
The current fuel crisis leads to alternatives, biofuel, remove all privet trees, biomass. Grow hemp on park land, currently being grazed on disused playing fields – best source for biofuel.
However, vehicle exhaust from hemp may be a problem [that] we’ll need to work on!
Tom Vanderlaan (independent)
My principal place of residence is in the Franklin Local Board (Wairoa Subdivision) area.
Greetings to all Wairoa voters. Urban intensification is threatening the character and quality of life in our local communities. Roading pressure and landfill proposals are constant concerns. Medical and Educational services are not keeping pace with growth.
Wairoa needs a strong and independent voice on the local board to tackle the challenges that we face. My previous time on community boards and licensing trusts equips me with the skills and experience to be this voice.
Thirteen years as a college principal in Franklin have also given me relationships with council, community and business leaders. As a Wairoa resident, I have my heart in the interests of our wider community.
I am motivated, qualified and ready to navigate the council bureaucracy that so often frustrates residents – and ready to stand up to the national and global agendas that can often override local concerns. To have your voice heard, Tick Tom.
Vote box locations:
- Bombay School (inside school office): 35 Paparata Road, Bombay. Open only during school hours, 8.30am to 3.30pm
- Botany Library, Level 1, Sunset Terrace, Botany Town Centre, Botany
- Papakura Library, Level 1, 209 Great South Road, Papakura
- Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe
- Ramarama School (inside school office), 126 Ararimu Road, RD 3, Drury. Open only during school hours, 8.30am to 3.30pm
- Woolworths Beachlands, 129 Beachlands Road, Beachlands
Visit www.voteauckland.co.nz for more information.
