Final Speech

It’s fitting that in pondering how best to approach my final words, clarity for me came in the same setting as where this journey began, 3 years ago, running the hills of the Mahurangi. It was out pounding that very pavement where I first entertained the thought of standing for election, where I curated the vision for my campaign (and that billboard) but perhaps most importantly, it was in those moments of solitude where I decided who I wanted to be in this role.

More than just a voice for our local communities, I made a personal commitment to be relentless in the pursuit of progressive change and the delivery of significant and meaningful outcomes across the whole of Rodney. Now, as we know, the reality of being an Auckland Council elected member is that you’re only as capable, as in Rodney’s case, the other 8 people sitting around the table. 

I must say, I feel very fortunate to have shared this journey with members who have truly shown the desire to get things done, and I think the success of this board and the legacy we’ll leave in what we’ve delivered this term, is a testament to that very mentality and the passion we collectively share for our communities.

From improving the quality of our harbors and waterways to revitalizing our town centers. Developing a nation-leading Greenways network, to advancing structure planning processes to best prepare and budget for imminent growth. We’ve been innovative, resolute, and completely unafraid of doing things a little differently to be more impactful than we’ve ever seen this board be before.

There were, of course, moments that required we muster more than a little bit of political courage. To be a part of building a comprehensive public transport network, bringing forward investment by more than 10 years, is undoubtedly one of my proudest outcomes this term. It’s in working through contentious decisions such as that, where you fall back on the foundations you set yourself from day one. For me, it’s was knowing the great and lasting impact the Transport Targeted Rate would have. Not only for those in the present day, who need better access to the likes of employment opportunities but for the generations to come who deserve for the leaders of today to be proactively investing in more sustainable forms of transportation.

With that, like all good things, this chapter for me is drawing to a close. It’s been a responsibility like no other, a privilege and I’ve relished every moment. If there’s one thing I now know through lived experience, it’s that progressive change isn’t easy, but that’s how you know you’re doing something right.

Thank you all for your continued support.