I am standing as a candidate for the Pukekohe subdivision of the Franklin District Council for the 2019 local elections.
Q. Why are you standing for this position?
Being one of the few candidates, that was born, bred and educated in Pukekohe, I feel I have the maturity and support from local people to be a fresh face in what is becoming one of New Zealand’s best communities to live in.
My schooling included Pukekohe Hill Primary, Intermediate and High Schools. I’ve worked in retail, automotive, agricultural and security industries and played for Pukekohe Rugby, Bombay Rugby and Tuakau Rugby League Clubs.
These local groups have introduced me to a whole lot of great friends who also love Pukekohe and want input into keeping our community safe, vibrant and productive.
Q. What do you love most about the area you are seeking to represent?
When I was a kid we used to ride around on our bikes until the street lights came on. It was safe and everyone looked after each other. Being half Pakeha and Maori, my friends were also of Chinese and Indian descent. We ate together, went to the pools together and lived as one community.
With the influx of new residents, I believe they would like to know more about our community. My website www.franklinlifenz.com attempts to capture the culture of Pukekohe and surrounding towns. It showcases the Franklin A & P Show, School Calf Club Days, Saturday morning markets, ANZAC Parades, Christmas Parades, Pukekohe Raceway events and so much more.
All these activities I love and want people to support these great events so they grow and expand.
Q. What will be your priorities if elected?
Security is an increasing concern. The reason I got involved with a security company last year, was to get an insight into our districts needs. From street lighting in Pukekohe North to security patrols during the night hours, security means different things to different people.
Productive land being rezoned for housing has been an issue with local growers and residents alike. This area has historically been heavily influenced by the market gardens and the transport industries associated with it. There needs to be a balance between housing and the land that grows produce.
Roading hasn’t kept up with the increased demand in residential traffic which also affects the safety of road users. Traffic from the thousands of houses that are being built will lead to gridlock. Paerata Rise is being built adjacent to State Highway 22 which is one of the most dangerous roads in NZ. Heavy traffic from Bombay has to go through the middle of town and during mid-afternoon weekdays when the school kids are crossing main intersections is a risk to lives. This needs to be addressed right away.
Summary: Previous councils have not fully informed the public of housing and roading plans and as a new council member, will do my best to consult with the people of Franklin of every development that the Auckland council suggests.
“I will listen to the people of Franklin and put the best and most effective ideas into practice after consulting the public”.
In a few weeks, if you live in Pukekohe you’ll receive a voting form and info on who’s running. If not, go to http://www.vote.nz and find out if you are registered.
Key elections date for voters
Voting documents posted to voters on electoral roll
20 September 2019
Last day to post voting papers (although you will still be able to post them in a ballot box)
8 October 2019
Voting closes at noon, progress results announced
12 October 2019
Official results declared
17 October 2019
LOCAL ELECTIONS FINAL RESULTS: Pukekohe
1.Alan Cole 5633
2. Andy Baker 5166
3. Amanda Kinzett 3803
4.Logan Soole 3093
Karnail Badhan 2744
Ian Cummings 2708
Dave Pope 2611
Baljit Kaur 1519
Congratulations to Team Franklin winning all four positions of council.
For more results >>> http://bit.ly/33lPJ6k
LOCAL ELECTIONS UPDATE: As of 08/10/19 and with 3.5 days to go, 5,100 of the 24,020 (21.1%) Pukekohe ward voting papers have been received.
Mail it or use the drop boxes at the Council Service Centre on Manukau Rd, Pukekohe & Waiuku Library, Saturday Pukekohe Markets or Franklin Recreation Centre.
You can check out voting numbers in our area to date : https://bit.ly/2m8KqHs
Franklin Life NZ 