Paul Walden

Paul, what's your position on Waiheke becoming a Biosphere reserve?

Dear Jafa,

I support the principles that the Biosphere seeks to achieve being conservation , Fostering of economic and human development as well as providing support for research, monitoring, education and information exchange. These principles overlap with the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act and Essentially Waiheke. These principles reflect the values of our communities in the Gulf Islands. If elected to the board, I will judge any application and petitions with regard Biosphere on it's merits however I believe that presently only lip service is paid to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act. Our Local Board and Council officers need to and can do better with the legislation that we have in place.

Thanks for your question!

Rgds Paul Walden

Hi Paul,

Thank you for putting yourself up as a candidate for the board. I've been invited to stand in the past, and have chosen to put my energy into the community through other channels. 

I have a question that (if answered) will help me to make a decision on who to vote for. If you were to be elected as one of the local board members:

- What steps (if any) would you take to increase participation in local democracy (decision making)?

Thanks for your time on this,

James Samuel (8737)

Dear James,

Thank you for your question.

I support the Local Govt Act principles for decisionmaking that decisions are made at a local level. Waiheke for Waihekeians, I will battle to ensure that political calls and decisions that affect Waiheke Island are made at the local level and in an open way.

This principle in itself will provide for the communities of Waiheke to engage again constructively in decisions that affect us.

If you require any further clarification, please call me on 4406.

Regards Paul Walden

 Hi Paul