I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Pippa Coom and City Vision (Labour and Greens) on their very hard fought campaign.
If it's any personal consolation, not being elected in 2019 actually turned out to be one of the best things that happened to me.
I would also like to extend my warm congratulations to the new Waitematā Local Board. Clearly the voters of this most politically sophisticated community sent a reminder that elected members are there to serve the public - not the other way round. For all that, the voters have also signalled their preference for a balance of political views around the table. All of this can only be healthy.
I would like to especially congratulate the new board members. City Vision’s Anahera Rawiri impressed me during the campaign. She brings youth and lots of natural talent to the table, C&R’s Allan Matson has much to offer the board with his heritage expertise - especially so with our special character suburbs under attack from the government and
the council. Also congratulations to my old sparring partner Greg Moyle whose return to the board after six years will bring valuable experience and local knowledge.
Finally welcome back Sarah Trotman. Sarah’s staunch defence of local residents and the Western Springs forest was clearly not forgotten by the voters. As we remember, Sarah was treated shabbily by the council and in effect hounded prematurely out of office. This must never happen again. Sarah must feel vindicated by the public support and buoyed by her renewed mandate.
I look forward to working with this new board. What we have in common is more important than what divides us, and together I firmly believe we can make a difference for the best electorate in New Zealand.
Mike Lee, Waiheke
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