It's been a busy month as the election campaign kicks off. I attended both the Cockle Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association AGM and Howick Residents and Ratepayers AGM. I helped pull trolleys out of the Botany Creek and supported East Auckland Tourism's focus on art for Elemental AKL.
People often ask why I'd spend so much time, money and effort running for council - I love Auckland but poor leadership is holding back our city. Selling our parks to cover poor financial management has meant Sunnyhills will probably loose Fortyfoot Park and while it was good that our councillors changed their minds, it was too late. Meanwhile poor oversight of significant assets like the Ports of Auckland and Auckland Airport keep costing us more. Record debt, rising rates and service cuts are leaving us with less while costing us more.
We need change and I firmly believe that my skills in business improvement, combined with my governance experience and passion for my community is what is needed to move our city forward.
I'll do my best to keep you up to date through my monthly newsletters. In between, stay up to date via my website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. As always, if there's something you want to hear about or know more, let me know.
Warm regards,
Damian Light
Burswood diversion worst outcome for everyone
You might've seen the article on the front page of the Times - I'm furious about Auckland Transport's decision to proceed with the Eastern Busway diversion through Burswood.
I feel for the residents of Burswood, who have been forced to fight to keep their homes, and lost. Having this bombshell dropped on them at the end of lockdown last year, they've rallied together. Unfortunately their courageous efforts have been ignored.
There are cheaper options that will deliver better long term benefits. There are alternatives that won't destroy homes and community. We need the Eastern Busway we were promised and this isn’t it.
Read the full piece in the Times here.
Billboards coming to a fence near you!
We're fast approaching the period where billboards are allowed up. If you or someone you know would like to host one of these on your fence, please let me know. There are big and small versions to fit all types of fences!