15th July 2016

Shore Action Selects Kaipātiki Local Board Candidates

New team Shore Action is bringing together fresh and experienced faces from across the North Shore community to contest the 2016 Auckland Council elections.

We are standing candidates for Council (North Shore Ward), the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board and the Kaipātiki Local Board.

Our action plan includes:

· A zero tolerance to selling any reserve land.

· Increased investment in our reserves, extension of our park volunteer network, pest reduction and clean-up of our precious bush and waterways.

· Genuine consultation without the spin - listening to you and keeping you informed on what is happening in your neighbourhood.

· Much more to be announced soon.

Shore Action has confirmed the following candidates to contest the Kaipātiki Local Board seats:

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L-R: Adrian Tyler, Anne-Elise Smithson (also standing for North Shore ward), John Gillon, Sarah Nilson,
Grant Gillon (North Shore Ward only)

John Gillon

John Gillon is a current member of the Kaipātiki Local Board and the admin for three local Facebook community groups, totalling 13,000+ members. He is also former Chair of the Bayview Community Centre and Glenfield Community Board.

John has championed many playground, track and signage upgrades; achieved various roading and walkway safety improvements; installed the Manuka Reserve dog park; saved the Highbury Norfolk pine; and blown the whistle on many controversial decisions, budget blow-outs and public land sales

“The daily feedback and queries that I receive tell me that there is a real disconnect between Council and the Community,” said John Gillon. “We need to cut the spin, increase communication and genuine consultation, and open up all Local Board meetings to the public.”

Sarah Nilson

Sarah Nilson grew up in Beach Haven. As Sarah grew up without a car, Sarah walked, bussed and cycled for the first 19 years of her life; this has given her an extensive knowledge of the local beaches, parks and bushland and a focus on our network of walking and cycling connections.

From travelling, Sarah has witnessed different metropolitan systems. Sarah is a problem-solver and is always looking for creative ideas and solutions. She believes that we can bring global ideas to our community, but the solution of our problems must be localised. Sarah also has particular interest in youth issues and is currently studying Speech and Language Therapy.

“The benefits of the outdoors to our youth is immeasurable,” said Sarah, “I would like the Local Board to invest in nurturing our next generation into the park volunteers of tomorrow.” Sarah is a member of the Glenfield Community Centre Governance Board and has recently become involved in the Beach Haven Placemaking Group.

Anne-Elise Smithson

Northcote resident Anne-Elise Smithson grew up on the North Shore, studied Biology at Auckland University and works as a Community Development Coordinator at the Children's Autism Foundation.

Anne-Elise has a track-record of community volunteering. She stands for sustainability, more affordable housing, less congestion and communities where young and old can thrive.

“Our streams, bush and wildlife are struggling and our unique North Shore environment need protecting as our city grows. Healthy ecosystems help our communities flourish,” said Anne-Elise Smithson.

Anne-Elise Smithson is also standing as a Shore Action councillor candidate for the North Shore ward.

Adrian Tyler

Adrian Tyler is a former teacher at Birkenhead Primary (AKA “Mr T”), former member of the Birkenhead-Northcote Community Board, and currently in the construction industry.

Adrian grew up in Beach Haven, lives in Birkenhead, and has a strong focus on family, children and youth concerns.

“While we need a greater investment in our youth, town centres and public amenities, I will be working very hard to ensure that spending is efficient and bureaucracy is minimized.” said Adrian Tyler, “There needs to be more careful spending of ratepayers’ money throughout Auckland Council and its Local Boards."

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