This $700m NZTA project benefitting all our ward made good progress despite Covid-19 interruptions. Constellation to Albany busway extensions opened May (improving Coast travel), shared cycle/walkway alongside opens soon, SH 18 westbound onramp complete this year with SH1 and SH18 direct motorway connections also open - so extra motorway lanes and busway connections for all northern communities up and running or soon to come. A fantastic project for the north with the Albany ward a major beneficiary.

Over the last three years there’s been extensive upgrades and improvements to a variety of facilities and sportsfields in the ward. They follow the opening of the Albany Pool and Leisure Centre Complex last term, the new international hockey complex at Rosedale (start of this term), the Albany BMX track and Greenhithe Equestrian Centre constructed courtesy NZTA and Council. The new $26 m Westgate multi-purpose library and community centre serves Hobsonville, West Harbour and Whenuapai, an amazing asset for the wider community.

It’s actually happening - better yet – it’s already started. Detailed geological assessments and environmental surveys started last year and the tender was awarded in June. Full scale construction starts this earthworks season (2 years earlier than anticipated).

The bidding process produced a better bridge design, with the Weiti River navigation passage left largely unimpeded. A walking/cycling shared path goes the entire route - a great recreational link for Whangaparāoa/Stillwater residents.

There’s capacity to widen the route in the future.  We’re leading the charge for toll free, and a Whangaparāoa park-and-ride.

Another big highlight this council term (certainly one of the most visible) this new facility serves the second largest park-and-ride in the country. Bus services, within the HBC and down the Northern Busway, will undergo a quantum improvement in frequency.

Over the last decade we’ve worked hard to build this service from a few daily sailings in the early 2000s, to 12 trips in 2016, then 20 in 2019 including night sailings. Additional future peak services for Gulf Harbour are secured with new vessels funded - in July a new public-private partnership sees AT owning more of the ferry fleet themselves and improving vessel quality, reliability and number of sailings.

After unacceptable unreliability throughout much of the Covid-19 period we’re absolutely determined to ‘lift the game’ for loyal patrons who pay a premium price.

The outstanding individual achievement this council term. After 20 years battling successive councils who did their best to sell off Hammerhead and Gulf Harbour marina land to development interests, these ‘jewels in the crown’ are kept in public ownership for the duration – and securing full public control of the Hammerhead for the recreational boaties, ferry commuters and general public. 

While it’s great to see big infrastructure projects on the way, it’s as important to ensure people get the assistance they need as well. Upper Harbour is blessed with some of the best community groups and churches across Auckland.  When many other parts of Auckland are struggling, we are fortunate to have a range of incredibly active and progressive groups helping our youth, environment, elderly, sports organisations and those in need. We are very grateful for the selfless and community-minded people who give so generously of their own time and expertise for the benefit of our local community.

We’ve fought hard for open space and reserves for the public. Increased intensification should mean more reserves and open spaces for people of all ages to enjoy. That’s important for people’s physical and mental health. One good example last year at Long Bay Regional Park was when over 3000 square metres of coveted land adjoining Long Bay Regional Park was purchased, completing the 18-hectare Heritage Protection Area.

Preservation of our stunning area and its bush-clad natural environment is a priority – it’s what defines us. We are very grateful for the selfless, community and environmentally minded people who give so generously of their own time and expertise for the benefit of their local communities – including the many environmental groups in and outside of the Upper Harbour Ecology Network.

Higher standards of environmental protection for our beaches and waterways are needed. Current standards just don’t cut it, nor the compliance regime – standards and their enforcement must be improved - and fast with stronger political will than under the current regime.

Preserving our beautiful waterways and environment is vital – it defines our lifestyle and attracts people to live here.

Albany ward has the highest concentration of retirement villages in Auckland. We want to ensure that wherever possible the council works with residents to provide access to community facilities and amenities in the area. - for transport, recreation, libraries, walks and reserves access. It’s our experience residents have much to offer the local community by way of the expertise and community interest that exists both within retirement centres and the community at large.

The older population is growing faster than other age-groups and predicted to increase to 19% by 2046 (11 % in 2013). Membership of the Age-Friendly Global Network - beneficial for everyone, regardless of age - requires commitment to continuous improvement process for creating age-friendly environments.

As the population continues to age we need to be more aware of the connections and facilities that support our older citizens.

Council needs to play its part encouraging businesses and employment in Albany. We want successful local businesses providing local employment. The same goes for our schools.  Young people benefit from neighbourhood facilities that keep them active, healthy and making a positive contribution. School leavers need suitable employment opportunities in the wider Albany area and educational and training opportunities to help their working careers.

We work closely with the outstanding North Harbour Business Association and other business groups to encourage council to assist.

Council has an important role to play helping businesses, youth and employment and partnering with innovative institutions such as Massey University.

We work closely with many sports – rugby, cricket, soccer, tennis, hockey, netball, surf clubs, league, league - and we are incredibly appreciative of the leading role played by Harbour Sport – a well-run organisation reaching out into all our communities.

In council we’ve taken on Mayor and CCOs over the expensive and unpopular Stadium Strategy which threatened to leave ratepayers with a monumental bill - a victory for the codes, supporters and ratepayers.

In uncertain times, safeguarding North Harbour Stadium is a priority for us, increasing the sporting and entertainment content at this top class facility (the sporting hub for our region north of the bridge). We’re leading initiatives to push for more first class and international events.

Our priority are the grassroots sporting codes across the region and improving our stadium. Large amounts of money wasted on grandiose plans means less for local sporting codes and existing facilities.

Over the last 3 years John and Wayne have consistently opposed wasteful spending, including executive salaries and business class travel. They challenge ‘deals’ not in the best interests of ratepayers and advocate more cost effective and pragmatic solutions to council expenditure. There’s plenty who talk about it at election time but they’re amongst the few who actually do it when in council.

This last 3 years they vigorously opposed the mayor’s excessive rate increases, acutely aware of how tough many people were doing it with the effects of Covid. 

One of the stand outs of the last few years has been the upgrade of various coastal structures around the Bays – stairs, jetties and walkways which can come in for a battering with the weather. These are important in maintaining the community’s access to our stunning coastline. Likewise with the ongoing renewal of children’s playgrounds  – it’s great to see investment in facilities the community gets such good use out of.

In the last term John Watson was approached by residents wanting a direct bus service to the airport (Auckland Transport had no plans to do this). 

John contacted Skybus direct, held meetings with their Australian- based executive who expedited market research and obtained a multi-million-dollar budget.  By June 2018 the service was up and running -  half-hourly along the Northern Busway - it didn’t cost the ratepayer a cent. Covid has since put paid to that service, but we’ll get it back and as always, look to go beyond the Auckland Council to get things happening in our community.