I have had one term's experience as mayor of New Zealand's 4th largest city, North Shore City, and I believe I have been very successful in that role. Prior to that I had experience as a city councillor (2001-2004) and community board member (2004 - 2007). I am also a North Shore Hearings Commissioner and as such have added knowledge of the regulatory side of council and all that is involved in the resource consent processes.
My previous career dating back to 1977 in international trade adds the business dimension to skills that I would bring to the mayoral role. For nine years I was the Trade Commissioner for Belgium and Luxembourg, and included extensive consular and diplomatic activities as the Honorary Vice Consul of Belgium. I find that the trade and negotiations experience I have had are most helpful in my mayoral discussions, helping to resolve many situations that need a workable outcome.
I support every effort to create a better city for us to live in with open parks, community spaces and clean beaches. It is most important that Long Bay Regional Park and Chelsea Park are secured as public reserves to maximize community spaces for the people of North Shore City and its region.
This Council has been very active in expanding the parks and reserves network across the North Shore using parks reserves funding and development contributions funding.
The most significant acquisition was the 39 hectare Chelsea Estate Heritage Park in Birkenhead in 2008. Coastal properties have been bought to expand Mairangi Bay beach reserve, and a property has been bought at Bayswater Marina. Other houses/properties have been bought to provide neighbourhood parks on Jutland Road, Hauraki Corner and Anzac Street, Takapuna. Another to improve the linkages around Lake Pupuke was also acquired. The Albany Lakes park project was completed making a beautiful open space for the Albany area.
The council successfully joined with the Long Bay Great Park Society and the ARC to secure the covenanting of an 18 hectare heritage protection zone at Long Bay, which creates a buffer between the regional park and the planned subdivision. Negotiations continue in a positive manner for more land to be acquired in this area.