Long-time resident Rachael Williams to stand for council

8 Aug, 2022

BY ALEX PETERS

Long-time resident and active community member Rachael Williams has announced her candidacy for one of three council positions for the Mangawhai/Kaiwaka ward in the upcoming Kaipara District Council (KDC) elections.

Rachael has called Mangawhai home for the past 18 years. She and her partner, Dave Grant, a well-known local builder, have raised three children here. During this time Rachael has served on a number of community committees. These include the kindergarten, Mangawhai Beach School and the Mangawhai Netball Club. Serving her community in varying voluntary roles has been a highlight.

As well, over the last two years Rachael has been secretary and committee member of Mangawhai Matters Society Inc., the local residents action group that successfully negotiated better conditions for the Mangawhai Central development at the Environment Court. Rachael, along with 200 other Mangawhai residents, prepared a submission to the Mangawhai Central Plan Change 78 hearing and received a round of applause from the public gallery when she presented her submission verbally.

Rachael is passionate about local issues and over many years has attended most of the KDC workshops, council briefings and meetings either in person or via their YouTube channel. It has not been unusual to see Rachael sitting in the public seats at council meetings held at the Domain Hall in Mangawhai.

“Personally, it’s been important to me to make time to attend the council meetings and to be informed on council matters, also participating in submissions and hearings on a wide range of local issues,” says Rachael.

With this deep knowledge of how KDC works, she will “hit the ground running” if she is elected.

Rachael is a “grass-roots” candidate, focusing on affordable rates, encouraging community engagement, clear and detailed consultation, responsible development and the greenspace-amenity issues Mangawhai’s growing community faces.

“In this current economic climate with ongoing pressures from government reform, I am determined to bring a dependable local voice to the council table, pursuing common sense outcomes for our Kaipara communities.

“We love where we live and I can proudly say I’ve taken the time to contribute to our wonderful community. I value our community’s ‘can do’ attitude which has led to the many amenities that help make Mangawhai a special place,” she says.

“I have always held the belief that if we have the ability, the inclination, and the time, we should help to shape the community we live in.”

Rachael says Mangawhai will continue to experience growth pressures and how we manage them is important.

“Issues around infrastructure and amenities will need to be dealt with in an open and transparent manner. The principles of affordability, community consultation and wellbeing, realistic growth management, retaining green space and quality amenities apply to all Kaipara towns. I am very keen to see these matters dealt with in a sensible and transparent manner,” she says.

“Mangawhai will continue to experience growth pressures and how we manage them is important.”