ELECTION SPECIAL

WAITAKERE CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS  October 2001

It's time again to exercise our democratic rights!  The last three years have been extremely difficult, with the increased threat of development in the Ranges adding to the Society's already large workload.  The Society managed to thwart many covert attempts to deliver more permissive development rights to a small group of landowners. We thank you for the way that you supported the Society to carry on its fight. 

Now, we urge you to vote, and recommend that you give that vote to the Team West ticket — to say ‘Yes’ to protection and ‘No’ to unsustainable development in the Waitakere Ranges. While there may be other good independent candidates on offer, WRPS endorses the Team West ticket as the best hope to institute a long-term environmental vision for the future of the Waitakere Ranges and its communities.

Vote for Conservation

It's vital that we elect a council committed to the long-term conservation of the Waitakere Ranges and West Coast. This special edition of our newsletter seeks your support for candidates that we trust to do the right thing for our precious environment. We answer questions that may be in your mind as you contemplate the choices on offer.

Who does WRPS recommend?

Team West candidates.  Mayor Bob Harvey leads this ticket, the policies of which we strongly endorse. They are committed to the proposed district plan, which will place reasonable constraints on subdivision, and promote enlightened environmental policies.   A list of Team West candidates is provided in the boxes below.

WRPS does not recommend

Go Waitakere candidates.  During their past three years in control of council, Go Waitakere has pursued a pro-development agenda that is both environmentally short-sited and hostile to community consultation. We have held the line against them in the Environment Court, but if they win another term the consequences will be disastrous.

What if I'm not a voter in Waitakere City?

You can still support Team West by making a donation. Cheques should be made out to Team West  and sent to PO Box 20539, Glen Eden.  (You will receive an acknowledgment.) 

The opposition ticket is likely to be well supported by would-be developers and subdividers who want a permissive regime in council. We can't afford to underestimate their campaign resources.

Wherever you live, you will have a vote for the Auckland Regional Council. Check the green credentials of your ARC candidates and vote for the environment! The ARC has a critical role as a guardian of conservation in the Ranges and we need people with a long-term vision elected to it.

What about the Mayoral Candidates?

As the originator of the Eco-city concept, Bob Harvey has been a staunch and reliable leader on environmental issues.  Other mayoral candidates are not recommended.

It is worth noting that this is the first time Bob has stood with a full ticket of candidates - which reinforces the point that it is vital that the community elect councillors he can work with.

How is the vote conducted?

Voting is by postal ballot. Voting papers will be sent out during the last week of September and the polls will close on Saturday 13th October. Results are likely to be available late that day.

Who are the Team West candidates?

Team West candidates have been selected from individuals who are already active in the community.  Some have been on council and community boards previously.  Others are standing for the first time.  They are independent, progressive candidates who have pledged to think for themselves and to serve the communities of Waitakere City.  For more information, visit the Team West website at www.teamwest.org.nz

What is Team West’s  vision?

Team West have described their vision as one of consultation, fairness, and independence.  They pledge to put community back into council and make Waitakere City a vibrant place to live and work.

If elected, Team West have promised to:

·      Operate in an open and accountable manner

·      Think for themselves while sharing a common vision

·      Follow the best interests of Waitakere City

·      Consult and network with communities

·      Be told how to vote

·      Caucus in secret