- David Collings, Howick Local Board candidate, Pakuranga subdivision
I have a huge history with Pakuranga, being the first Independent to be elected to the then-Pakuranga Community Board and representing Pakuranga on the Manukau City Council.
I have now been selected as a C&R (Community and Residents) candidate for the Howick Local Board.
I very much align with their emphasis on good financial management and prudent spending ensuring all rates money is spent wisely and efficiently.
After our last board workshop, I feel I’m needed on the board to keep an eye on spending and to ensure there is a better financial oversight and will miss my colleague Bob Wichman who has a similar ethos.
Having previously been chairman of the Howick Local Board, it’s pleasing to see many of the things we’ve been working on finally coming through to fruition such as the multisport facility in Lloyd Elsmore Park which will desperately serve as a much-needed facility for Howick Gymnastics, and both Pakuranga, tennis and bowling clubs.
It’s also great to see many of our initiatives such as Fruit Trees in Schools, Enviro-schools and Pestival (our plant and animal pest eradication project) – all three of which have seen a huge uptake with high participation in the community.
Having previously been chairman of the AMETI (Eastern Busway) project, it’s been good to see this project advance and I’m looking forward to the Reeves Road Flyover getting started to ease congestion in and around Pakuranga.
However, I strongly oppose the busway diverting into a residential area in Burswood as this was never part of the original project.
While on transport, I am very opposed to the recent proposal for a crossing with speed humps across six lanes of Pakuranga Road.
I also oppose council selling off our much-loved reserves which is just so wrong.
I would also like to comment on how proud I am that my son Luke has shown an interest in local issues and is standing for the Botany subdivision, and I hope people will consider supporting him.
I know he will work very hard and make good and sensible decisions.
