By Times Team

Copyright times

I’m committed to serving our community, Auckland Council, and environment by drawing on six years of council experience, global business skills, and 60 years of local knowledge to deliver value, cut waste, and get things done.

I’ll continue engaging with residents, visiting sites, monitoring issues, and responding to every call and email while representing you on the Howick Local Board.

As a married father with elderly parents, I understand family pressures and community needs.

My background as an Olympic gold and World Champion, and as coach of Olympic medallists including Barbara Kendall and Lee Lai Shan, shows my ability to lead diverse teams and achieve results.

Global travel has given me empathy for immigrants, while lifelong roots in east Auckland keep me connected to the needs of both long-term and new residents.

I’m passionate about reducing wasteful spending and demanding council accountability so services are delivered without constant rate hikes or damaging cuts.

This community deserves:

Weekly rubbish collections
Safe, clean waterways and beaches
Quality parks and playgrounds
Safer streets and public spaces

I’ll push for improved parking and reliable public transport. Smarter school drop-offs, better intersection design, and well-maintained footpaths are essential.

The Tāmaki Estuary suffers 390 sewage spills a year, making our waterways among Auckland’s most polluted. We need real-time water safety alerts, and urgent upgrades to stormwater and wastewater systems.

Housing intensification must be focused in sensible areas such as along the Eastern Busway, backed by infrastructure, transport, and good design including off-street parking.

I’ll expand the TEEF water sensor program, advocate for shoreline restoration, support groups tackling weeds and pests, and encourage native planting.

Council should support sports, recreation, arts, cultural events, Pest Free Howick, and the Howick Youth Council.

Local businesses and tourism deserve stronger promotion, better care of Pakuranga’s historic sites, and cultural festivals that celebrate diversity.

I’ll remain practical, results-driven, and focused on value for money, working with you to make east Auckland stronger, healthier, and a better place to live.

Current roles: co-chair, Tāmaki Estuary Environmental Forum; executive, Tāmaki Estuary Protection Society; lead volunteer, Macleans Park Replant and War on Weeds; president, Windsurfer LT NZ; project lead, Bucklands Beach Restoration; committee, East Tāmaki Dragon Boat Club. Please vote C&R: Kendall, Kavanagh, Collins.