I am an old Aucklander raised in Remuera in the 1950’s and currently a ’semi-westie’, having lived in Avondale for the past twenty years. My first employment was in CBD offices from age 16 after leaving Selwyn College. Completing the university entrance examination 3 years later I went on to become the top scholar in my subjects, which included two years of logic, at the University of Otago.
Seeking involvement outside of the ‘ivory tower’ I left after year two to run a community organisation in Dunedin and then returned to Auckland where I was involved in the establishment of the Youth Resource Centre, representing them on the Auckland Youth Council. From this came a role in a performing arts co-operative which travelled to the Far North where I learned tikanga maaori.
I am standing because I consider it my civic duty to do so. Auckland needs a Mayor with devotion to its well-being, with the intelligence for oversight of its resources, with sophistication and a sense of decorum and with no political baggage.
I get on well with people from all walks of life and all races, having chaired my local school board here in Avondale, the cosmopolitan heart of Auckland.
Yet I have links all over this great city and remember the vehicular ferry or the long drive to cross the harbour. This is my hometown and I will not let you down.
When my son started school I returned to university and graduated in 1996 with my Masters degree in Political Studies from the University of Auckland, earning First Class Honours.
At 57 years of age I understand both the ‘big picture’ and our shared humanity. We all share this beautiful city and my 12 years experience in consensus-building will be put to good use.
The first thing to do as Mayor of Auckland is read budgets and meet the key administrative staff to better understand their current projects and workloads. Because we are living in difficult economic times I am determined to use all my skills to protect what we have and develop what we need with wise counsel.
I have a facilitative style of leadership in which I am an expert and always successful while remaining a strong and effective chairperson.
Becoming a ‘greenie’ after reading the ‘Limits to Growth’ in 1975 I have always tried to live an eco-friendly life. I have surmised that soon all roofing materials will have a ‘battery-charger’ option and that cheap, clean fuel is only a decade away. I will ensure that we factor in the speed of technological development in council planning. Transport is a key issue and I will take action to ensure that public transport is reliable. This is the only way to keep people on board. Our travel habits will change in other ways too; I went shopping for clothes with my granddaughter last weekend, online.
I am an old Aucklander raised in Remuera in the 1950’s and currently a ’semi-westie’, having lived in Avondale for the past twenty years. My first employment was in CBD offices from age 16 after leaving Selwyn College. Completing the university entrance examination 3 years later I went on to become the top scholar in my subjects, which included two years of logic, at the University of Otago.
Seeking involvement outside of the ‘ivory tower’ I left after year two to run a community organisation in Dunedin and then returned to Auckland where I was involved in the establishment of the Youth Resource Centre, representing them on the Auckland Youth Council. From this came a role in a performing arts co-operative which travelled to the Far North where I learned tikanga maaori.
I am standing because I consider it my civic duty to do so. Auckland needs a Mayor with devotion to its well-being, with the intelligence for oversight of its resources, with sophistication and a sense of decorum and with no political baggage.
I get on well with people from all walks of life and all races, having chaired my local school board here in Avondale, the cosmopolitan heart of Auckland.
Yet I have links all over this great city and remember the vehicular ferry or the long drive to cross the harbour. This is my hometown and I will not let you down.
When my son started school I returned to university and graduated in 1996 with my Masters degree in Political Studies from the University of Auckland, earning First Class Honours.
At 57 years of age I understand both the ‘big picture’ and our shared humanity. We all share this beautiful city and my 12 years experience in consensus-building will be put to good use.
The first thing to do as Mayor of Auckland is read budgets and meet the key administrative staff to better understand their current projects and workloads. Because we are living in difficult economic times I am determined to use all my skills to protect what we have and develop what we need with wise counsel.
I have a facilitative style of leadership in which I am an expert and always successful while remaining a strong and effective chairperson.
Becoming a ‘greenie’ after reading the ‘Limits to Growth’ in 1975 I have always tried to live an eco-friendly life. I have surmised that soon all roofing materials will have a ‘battery-charger’ option and that cheap, clean fuel is only a decade away. I will ensure that we factor in the speed of technological development in council planning. Transport is a key issue and I will take action to ensure that public transport is reliable. This is the only way to keep people on board. Our travel habits will change in other ways too; I went shopping for clothes with my granddaughter last weekend, online.