Looking forward: Faye Storer says the new board must form a good relationship with the Super City council and the mayor.

Faye Storer knows only too well what kind of work will be involved on the new board. She spent nine years as the Hauraki Gulf Islands councillor, six years as a Waiheke Community Board member and deputy chairperson, and has also chaired the Hauraki Gulf Islands and planning fixtures committees at Auckland City Council.

“I’ve had 15 years’ experience working with four different mayors and elected representatives from both sides of the political spectrum. I know how councils work,” the independent candidate says.

She believes she is a clear thinker, good communicator, and excellent negotiator – thanks to years of experience that she says have taught her how to set goals and balance different viewpoints.

Although Ms Storer has enjoyed a break from local politics during the past three years, she has clear views on where she thinks the new board’s priorities should lie.

She believes the biggest issue facing it will be to establish a good working relationship with the new council and mayor, based on mutual respect.

She says if she is elected she wants to help rates remain affordable, warning that local communities will be expected to pay for their own projects under the Super City and there will be targeted rates to achieve that.

Ms Storer says it means the priorities the Waiheke Local Board puts forward must be carefully scrutinised.

She is aware the board will quickly have to draw up a local plan but says it will be important for members to do a ‘stock-take’ to see what projects are on the books already.

“Then it can decide what needs adding.”

She says the island’s infrastructure and public facilities need constant attention.

“We must be careful not to fall behind other small communities, both here and overseas, that are already providing a high-quality environment and facilities, and have done so at a reasonable costs.”

Ms Storer thinks weed-busting and reforestation are important to restore the island’s ecosystem but is not convinced the UNESCO biosphere proposal is the way to go.

“We shouldn’t need to label ourselves to achieve what we can all do, as individuals and as a community, in an age where conservation and sustainability are mainstream thinking.

“Residents need to consider the implications and possible costs of this proposal and decide whether or not they need it and are prepared to pay for it.

Rather, she wants to see conservation and sustainability factored into every project from the outset – listing that as being one of the top three things she wants to achieve.

The other two she cites as being value for money on all council projects, and supporting local business to help create jobs and provide more services to the community.

Ms Storer has been actively involved in a variety of community organisations and associations, is not a member of any political party, and says she does not support party politics at local level.

She is keen to assure high school students Huia Pocklington and Ella Reilly, who posed questions for all the island’s candidates, of her support for cheaper student transport fares and for young people to have a say in local government.

“I see no reason why the new Super City council wouldn’t also create a ‘youth council’. If it doesn’t, then I’d certainly be asking it to.”