Waitemata Local Board

Waitemata Local Board is the mainland part of the Waitemata and Gulf Ward. You will have 1 vote for a mayor, 1 vote for a Ward councillor, 7 votes for Local Board members and can vote for up to 7 members of the Auckland District Health Board.

A Strong Community Voice

City Vision elected members of the Waitemata Local Board will:

• Stand with you and your community for a prosperous, secure, fair, and sustainable future
• Advocate for residents and be the strong community voice working with the Auckland Council and the Council Controlled Organisations to ensure local decisions are made locally
• Develop and enhance our open spaces, parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities for enjoyment by all
• Treasure our heritage buildings and encourage quality urban development
• Celebrate the unique character and culture of our diverse communities 
• Improve pedestrian safety, with slower traffic on residential streets, better footpaths and pedestrian-oriented street design
• Get our community moving with better cycling and walking infrastructure, effective public transport including support for fast tracking the CBD rail loop
• Make the most of our beautiful coast by developing a quality waterfront, improving access to the water, opening up a public harbour walkway and ending the problem of effluent overflow into our waterways
• Get behind our creative entrepreneurs, the Learning Quarter, and commercial centres to create jobs and thriving local businesses

Your City Vision members of the Waitemata Local Board

Jesse Chalmers, 021 344 174, jesse@tonzu.co.nz

I have lived in central Auckland for the past eight years and am a fourth generation Aucklander.  Since I was 20 I have been a director of our family-run food manufacturing company. We market and distribute our brand nationwide.

I stand for economic growth that will support and nourish a safe and healthy environment for Auckland city residents.  I will actively support improved and sustainable public transport, safe cycling and pedestrian facilities.

50% of Auckland central is aged under 30.  I think it’s vital that young people are represented. I will work closely with schools, universities and youth groups to promote civic awareness. I want to encourage young people to take interest and participate more in community life.

I will use my energy, enthusiasm, and practical business skills to bring democratic and realistic ideas to the board and community. 

Shale Chambers, LlB, 378 6662, schambers@ccj.co.nz

Chair of the Waitemata Local Board.  A local lawyer and businessman, I am a proud 5th generation Aucklander, married 25 years with 4 children. I have lived or run businesses in the ward for 30 years, and founded the longest established Ponsonby commercial law firm.

I have senior governance experience as director of NZ Post (Kiwibank), Vector and MetService and was twice elected to Auckland Energy Consumer Trust. I have served 15 years on local school boards, including Auckland Girls’ and Mt Albert Grammar and am trustee, Mt Albert Aquatic Centre.

“Our inner city suburbs from Parnell to Herne Bay are special places to live in and work and their heritage character, café culture, and commercial centres must be supported.

My business and elected experience will help deliver from the SuperCity for our families at fair rates the best community-owned local parks, facilities and council services.” 

Pippa Coom, LlB (Hons), 021 926 618, pippacoom@gmail.com www.pippacoom.co.nz

Deputy Chair of the Waitemata Local Board.  I am a corporate lawyer currently using my skills for social good and community work. I love living in central Auckland.  My passion is community initiatives that create neighbourhoods that we want to live in - safe, vibrant, connected and sustainable. I am a Trustee of Kelmarna Organic City Farm, project manager for Cycle Action Auckland, on the Steering Committee of Grey Lynn 2030, organiser of Frocks on Bikes and climate action events.   

 I am promoting projects that make our inner city suburbs, the CBD and waterfront more liveable, accessible and productive.  I have the skills and desire to get things done. 

It is essential to elect people who can work together, respond to the needs of the community and take a strong leadership role.  The City Vision team promotes that aim.

Christopher Dempsey, 021 297 4078, christopherdempsey@orcon.net.nz

Parnell resident for 13 years, fifth generation Aucklander, currently studying and working at the University of Auckland with the experience of being a Community Board Chair in Eden-Albert.  I am interested in the ongoing creative and dynamic development of Auckland and all residents. Waitemata ward is an exciting part of Auckland region, a cultural, creative, intellectual and commercial heart, located within superb natural environments.

I am continuing six years of Community Board work, ensuring that residents have access to opportunities to participate in and contribute to the life of their community. I will support others in their efforts to create a unique quality of life where everyone has access to our beautiful coastline, our maunga, and stimulating public art. The life of our ward is a shared one. Together we create communities that work for all. I am honoured to work with you.

Tricia Reade BA, DipTchg, 021 968 862, tricia.reade@gmail.com

I have been resident in Ponsonby for twenty years.  My career has been in education, in NZ and internationally, as a teacher, principal of adult education, lecturer and International Director. I have qualifications, experience and expertise in governance, international and business development, education and community projects.

I am committed to community issues. I am chairperson of the Ponsonby Community Centre Board and of City Fringe Inc. which promotes appropriate development in our area.  I want to support and protect the unique heritage and culture of our inner city suburbs, to preserve and grow our parks and spaces. I stand for sustainable business growth and vibrant main streets while delivering on safety and traffic issues.

I believe the new local boards can make a huge difference under the new regime for Auckland and will be working to that end.