Rob Thomas re-elected to the Waitemata Local Board

At 1.22pm today I received a phone call from Auckland Council with the provisional results “Congratulations for the Waitemata Local Board are in order…a good margin.”

It’s a humbling experience to be re-elected onto the Waitemata Local Board, thank you.

It is with great confidence and the backing from our community that I will do my utmost to represent your views in the years ahead. This year I stood to represent you as your Councillor and despite missing that opportunity this time, I will stand again in three years with the ultimate goal to be Mayor of Auckland.

Over the next month I will re-connect with many residents in our community and invite the newly elected Waitemata Local Board over for dinner “look who’s coming for dinner”.

A huge thank you is in order to my campaign team that worked so hard over the last five months. Thank you to Ollie, Laurel, Richard, David, Grieg, Young-Eun, Sean, Sarah, Chris, Ethne, Phil, Fletch, Donna and the teams at True and Display Equipment. I have been fortunate to work with a such a dedicated and professional team.

Thank you.

Update: BUNNING’s Big Box Developement

Congratulations to the residents and supporters of Arch Hill for their on-going campaign to fight the proposed BUNNING’s Big Box development on Dean Street.

The group has a commitment now of over $20,000 to battle, what I think was a poor Council decision, a permit for Big Box development in a mixed use zoned area. This week residents will presented their case of the negative impact this poor land use would have on the neighborhood.

However, a very positive outcome from this process has been the amazing bringing together of this community, with their strength and fortitude. Last week the residents held an enormous street party to raise awareness and funds for the cause.

If you want to get involved or donate please email archhillcommunity@gmail.com 

 

Update: Sarawia Rail Level Crossing

The decision to progress with a preferred rail level crossing is currently on hold. Two weeks ago the Waitemata Local Board meet with Auckland Transport to discuss the rail options:

1. Underpass under the rail corridor
2. Cowie Street Bridge
3. Laxon Terrace

As you may already know the option to build a road through Newmarket Park has been thrown out as an option by the Waitemata Local Board. The underpass under the rail corridor has been re-opened by the Parnell Community Committee and Mike Lee after a request to Auckland Transport. They have looked into this option because it would have the least overall impact on all surrounding residents. However, Auckland Transport’s investigation highlights concerns with this underpass option:

• Estimated cost of $8-$9m (making it the most expensive option by a country mile)
• Significant road gradient (making it difficult to access)
• Safety issues with poor visibility for cars and at night

Auckland Transport was planning to report this information to the Auckland Transport Board this month. Auckland Transport intend bringing a recommendation to the Waitemata Local Board after the election.

I’ll keep you posted.

 

A proud 14 years in our community

It has always been my long-term goal to be Mayor of Auckland and I am taking that progressive path. I’ve recently been asked about my experience, this my proud history of working in our community:

Auckland City Youth Council	3 years
Britomart Project	3.5 years
Youth Forum Coordinator	1 month
Auckland Transport Network Limited	8 months
Wellington City Council	1 year
City of Westminster, London	11 months
Auckland Libraries	1.5 years
Waitemata Local Board	3 years
Total	13.7years

 

I turn 33 this month and I am a complete anomaly in the local government framework because I am young, independent, elected and I have 14 years local government experience and I have enjoyed every moment of working with our community.

This election I am standing as your Council Candidate for the Waitemata & Gulf Ward because we need fresh new thinking for this dynamic community where the average age of the ward is 30 years old.

 

Creative berm designs

Now that you have the power to maintain your own berm, here are some inspired footpaths and berms from around Auckland’s inner-city.

 

1) Mini Putt in Grey Lynn

Instead of chipping it from the rough why not maintain your short game with this classic mini golf course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Mosaic on Ponsonby Road

Instead of lighting up the street with the sound of your lawn mower, give some colour with a mosaic pattern inspired by your neighbourhood.

 

 

 

 

3) Flax planting on Domain Drive

Fed up with thousands of people walking all over your grass berm, one resident convinced contractors to plant flax on their berm to force people to cross the road further down…  it works a treat.

 

 

 

4) Concrete the berm

After finding out that the water run-off from berms in Seccombes Ave are linked to earth sinks and not into the stormwater network, the residents got all the footpaths concreted around the tree pits … that’s low mantenance.

 

 

 

5) Wash your car on the berm

The current Auckland Council by-law allows you to wash your car on the berm. This prevents chemical run-off from your driveway or the road into the sotrmwater network. So the next time you get a parking ticket.. remember it’s legal to park on the grass for cleaning your car.

 

 

Column: Dog-friendly policy on public transport

Ponsonby News – October 2013 edition – By Rob Thomas – Candidate for Waitemata & Gulf Councillor:
Dog-friendly policy on public transport

They are part of the family, loyal and sometimes referred to as “fur babies”. Across the greater Auckland region there are 85,818 dogs registered, and this adds-up to a phenomenal amount of shampooing, pet visits and dog walking.

Throughout this election I have door knocked over 6,000 homes across the inner-city and dog owners have told me their frustration with the lack of transport options. One lady mentioned the hundreds of dollars a year that she spends at the downtown carpark because her dog cannot ride on public transport to the ferry building.

The current Auckland Transport rules allow only guide dogs and guide dogs in training on buses if under supervision of their care-giver. However, for decades dogs have been allowed onto Waiheke ferries and bus services and I believe it’s time we look at extending the dog-friendly network across Auckland.

Many international cities, like San Francisco, have small dog-friendly transport policies, which say “if it’s small enough to fit on your lap it’s small enough to go on public transport”.

To make this work, there will need to be rules in place to ensure dogs are well-behaved, leashed and that people clean up any mess. Whether or not a dog can ride on a bus or train should ultimately be up to the discretion of the driver.

Pets teach children valuable life lessons like how to communicate, be empathetic, nurturing, confident and resilient to change. Dogs are an everyday part of living in Auckland and it’s time to take practice steps to have more dog-friendly transport options.

Costley Reserve Playground to be upgraded

On the final agenda of the Waitemata Local Board, the Costley Reserve playground renewal was approved in the 2013/14 local improvement budget. It has been a year and half long process but I am thrilled that this project that resident’s championed has come to fruition. After a public meeting was held at Costley Reserve on Sunday 7 April 2013, based on your feedback, the design is “getting back to basics”. The play equipment will be replaced, improved access and fixing the retaining wall at Renall Reserve. The upgrade will commence next year.

Join the celebration!

Please join me and hundreds of others as we celebrate the local government election results: 5pm Saturday, 12th October at Libertine, 37 Drake Street, Victoria Park Markets

Good luck to all the candidates.