Community motivates candidates

A number of grass roots campaigners who have fought against council or government decisions affecting their communities in recent years are seeking election to local boards in the upcoming local body elections.

Tunnel or Nothing Group spokeswoman Margi Watson, who rallied the Waterview community against a motorway through the neighbourhood, is standing for City Vision in the Albert-Eden Local Board.

But Ms Watson says she's about more than just motorways. The Waterview resident highlights involvement with school boards of trustees and sports groups as other areas that link her into the local community.

"I'm about promoting and protecting our communities and making sure they don't get sucked up in the supercity."

She says the decision to stand was made after many people approached her to put her name forward.

Similarly, Roskill Community Voice candidate Garth Houltham decided to stand after the Auckland City Council chose to proceed with the removal of a school to expand Monte Cecilia Park.

"I'm really upset at the amount of money being spent there. I don't believe the school needs to move."

However he says there are other community-based issues he's been involved with, such as promoting public transport through the Campaign For Better Transport group.

Grey Lynn 2030 committee member Pippa Coom says she's standing under the City Vision banner for place on the Waitemata Local Board because it's an extension of the community work she's already been doing.

"The new structure is a really good opportunity for local decision making. Because I'm already involved in the community through Grey Lynn 2030, a logical extension is to try and facilitate that through the local board."

Another candidate for the Waitemata Local Board that has promoted causes in recent times is Ourhood's Geoff Houtman, who came up with an alternative design for Soho Square.

- © Fairfax NZ News